‘We want 2021 to witness a major breakthrough for the next 50 years’ – Sheikh Mohammed

The UAE managed to weather the Covid-19 crisis in 2020 thanks to the efficiency of its institutions and the strategic decisions taken by the government, the country’s leaders have said.

Speaking on the occasion of the UAE’s 49th National Day on December 2, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai said 2020 has been a challenging year across the world due to the pandemic.

“This year has been a test for countries, the capabilities of governments, the efficiency of their institutions and procedures, and the level of their readiness to face pandemics and disasters, and their repercussions,” official news agency WAM quoted him as saying.

The UAE saw “stellar success” during this difficult period, displaying its readiness to face pandemics and disasters in a way that has been recognised by the entire world and its specialist organisations.

“This success is not a mere coincidence or luck, but rather the outcome of our Emirati model that foresaw the future and developed appropriate strategies and plans to get the nation ready for emergencies and worst-case scenarios. Our Emirati model will ensure the efficiency and flexibility of our institutions and their ability to make the right decisions at the right time,” he added.

He praised the healthcare workers who contained the pandemic in the country, and said the UAE has “reached its targets for monitoring infections and recoveries”.

Sheikh Mohammed also said that the UAE has succeeded in securing the food and medicine needs of the community and established a sustainable food system.

UAE’s Golden Jubilee

With the UAE set to celebrate its golden jubilee in 2021, the UAE remains focussed on boosting its economy and developing advanced science and technology.

“In less than a month, 2021 will commence, and we are approaching our 50th National Day. We want 2021 to witness a major breakthrough for the next 50 years. We want our country to be the most distinguished and offer the best in terms of quality of life,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

“We will continue to prepare all sectors for the post-oil era, by building a true knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy, investing in qualitative minds and competencies, promoting the system of the civilised values of tolerance, openness, coexistence and acceptance, preserving our national heritage, authentic customs and traditions, and global competition for leadership, and building strong foundations to sustain this development for future generations.

“In this context, the 50-year Development Plan Committee and the specialist teams continue to work round the clock,” he added.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed added: “As we enter the 50th year of our young country and our unique union experience, we are stronger, self-confident and more capable and determined to achieve our goals during the next 50 years.

“We are well-placed to realise our ambition of making the UAE the best country in the world by its 100th anniversary, relying on the strong foundations laid down by our founding leaders and the major successes that we have achieved over the past decades,” he added.