Statement on National Day - AbdulAziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of UBF and CEO OF Mashreq

Dubai UAE, November 30, 2015:  “As the nation marks the 44th anniversary of its founding, we witness another year of success and stability in the UAE. Each year, this time we recall the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who together with Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum the then ruler of Dubai, and the leaders of five other emirates to form the union we know today as the United Arab Emirates.

Today, we look back at the achievements of the UAE and how it continues to amaze the rest of the world. The UAE has reached very advanced levels in all aspects that today we have become a global name be it economically and politically. The UAE has opened its doors to so many people from across the globe.

They were welcomed and embraced by traditional values of hospitality, generosity and diligence; values embedded in UAE culture and that even today serve as principles that have brought stability and prosperity to the nation. To me that typifies what we still see today; a richly diverse country where its population, whether expatriates or nationals, share common traits and ambitions to continue to help progress the UAE’s development and make it the best that it can be for all. 

Those that are fortunate to be living and working in the UAE benefit from the continuity of a shared goal; the desire to establish the ideal, stable environment to build successful partnerships to foster trade and business. It is a model that continues to persevere in the face of challenging times; and if anything, we view these times as an opportunity. An opportunity to reset our sights and ensure we are pursuing the right path. This prudent and measured approach renews a national obligation to ensure the stability of the country’s business environment to enable everyone to achieve their goals.

So as we enter the UAE’s 45th year, what can we expect from the next twelve months? If anything an even stronger commitment to the goal. Economists are predicting moderate growth and there is cautious optimism that the oil price may start to rise by mid-term, however, this cannot divert us from the path we have chosen. To develop a fully diverse economy that supports the long-term goal to make the UAE one of the most advanced and desirable places to live and work in the 21st century.