As another year comes to a close, we mark another year of great leadership in the UAE under the guise of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

This year has marked many amazing milestones for the UAE including welcoming Expo 2020 to Dubai, successful recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and a very important anniversary – 50 years of the UAE.

With that, we look back on some of the most inspiring quotes from Sheikh Mohammed throughout 2021 and we look to a prosperous new year in 2022 for the UAE.

On 50 years of the UAE…

“Fifty years ago, we had a dream…a dream of building a state, a home, a united people, a homeland for all and a country that performs in the same league as the world’s top nations.

“What at the time may have appeared as an unattainable dream, has today emerged as a proud, strong homeland – one that is secure and invincible.”

On 15 years since his ascension…

“We have worked to achieve the vision of my brother, the President of the State, may God protect him. We have done our best to serve the people of the union.”

On the first cabinet meeting of 2021…

“At the end of the first UAE Cabinet meeting in 2021, during our 50th year, we stressed that we will continue our efforts and the journey of recovery shall not stop. Health protection will remain our priority, and our community will overcome this year enthusiastically towards the future”

On World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day…

” The UAE will not be stopped by anything in the global humanitarian march.”

On the Hope Probe entering orbit into Mars…

“With a 50 per cent success rate; though the failure rate is 50 per cent, I believe success is within our grasp. I say, even if we could not enter the orbit, we’ve already made history. This is the farthest point in the universe to be reached by Arabs throughout their history.”

On International Women’s Day…

“We celebrate the remarkable abilities and achievements of women around the world. This past year, The Covid-19 pandemic has further demonstrated how women’s strength, courage and leadership are integral to safeguarding the present and the future of the UAE.”

On the spirit of the UAE…

“We did not stand still during the pandemic and we will not stop moving forward. It’s this spirit that has placed the UAE the first globally in the government’s ability to adapt to changes posed by the pandemic.”

On Emirati’s Women’s Day…

“We congratulate the mother of the Emirates, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, may God protect her, for her efforts over decades. We congratulate the daughters of the Emirates for the achievements they have achieved and the building blocks they built and we congratulate the people of the Emirates on a more stable and cohesive society as we enter the new fiftieth.”

On crisis management throughout the pandemic…

“Crisis management creates opportunities and management crises destroy gains. While the world economy shrank 4% and international trade dropped 20% in 2020, the UAE created over 248,000 jobs in multiple sectors.”

When H.H. Sheikh Mohammed met Emir of Qatar…

“The Gulf destiny is one. It was and will remain, god protect our people.”

On the UAE’s response to handling the pandemic…

“The UAE has worked as one team during the Covid-19 pandemic. The result is a global superiority in handling the pandemic.”

On attending the graduation ceremony for Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government…

“The progress of countries does not happen by chance but rather with correct science, understanding and dedication.”

On the Arab Reading Challenge…

“Reading will remain our shield against any difficult times.”

On the results of the ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth survey…

“We say that the UAE is everyone’s country and everyone’s home and our experiences will remain available to everyone and our relations will remain positive with everyone.”

On Expo 2020…

” I told you the story of how we will prosper. We will fill our history books with accolades and achievements. We will be on the world stage. Engaging with people from all walks of life. Just as we have succeeded in the past, we shall in the future”

On the UNESCO status of National Day…

“UNESCO has adopted the UAE National Day as a ‘World’s Future Day’. It’s a major recognition of the UAE’s foresight and ability to plan for the future.”

On Martyrs Day…

“We remember our heroes who sacrificed their lives for their country. They are the people of glory and honour. We will never forget them.”

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Images: Supplied