Marching towards new economic heights

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

The United Arab Emirates is celebrating its 50th National Day on Thursday with great pomp and show. The UAE has achieved massive economic success in the last 50 years and transformed itself to a highly preferred global investment and tourist destination.

The business-oriented approach of the wise leadership of the UAE took the country to new heights of growth and prosperity. The advance infrastructure, security and cultural harmony made the UAE first choice for regional and global investors. The country has emerged as a role model for many developing countries to follow. The diversified nature of the UAE economy is all set to touch new growth milestones in the near future.

On the occasion of the UAE’s 50th National Day, top officials and businessmen extended their congratulatory messages to the Rulers and people of the UAE and shared their views with Gulf Today.

Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) said: “The UAE’s 50th National Day is a moment to reflect on our 50-year success journey, led by the vision and directives of our leaders, that has transformed the lives of citizens and residents in this vibrant nation, through achieving excellence in sustainable development across economic, social, cultural, and scientific sectors.”

He added: “The UAE today is at the forefront of several global economic and social indices, ranking high in economic competitiveness, government efficiency, human development, ease of business, innovation, and quality of infrastructure. This has led the UAE to also be one of the leading countries in COVID-19 response and recovery, launching a national space programme, and becoming a leading global hub for business and investment, paving the way for new milestones over the next 50 years.”

Mohammed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), said: “On this momentous 50th National Day, the UAE is not only entering a new phase in its history, but also on the verge of a renewed era for economic, social and cultural growth. We congratulate our wise leadership and our people for the great achievements over the past 50 years and offer our best wishes to continue this legacy over the next 50, securing new accomplishments and excellence at all levels.”

He added: “As we celebrate 5 decades of progress on this National Day, we must reflect on the UAE’s values instilled by our founding fathers which have led to its stellar position across several pillars, including economy, healthcare, education and social development, both regionally as well as globally.”

Ahmed Shaikhani, President Pakistan Business Council Dubai said, “on behalf of the Pakistan Business Community in the UAE, Pakistan Business Council is thankful for all the support the local government and authorities have continued to shower to everyone and our community, from the business opportunities, trade, down to the safety and wellness of the people. We respect the visionary leadership of the UAE. On this National Day, let us pray together, may the UAE prosper always.”

Imran Farooq, CEO, Samana Group said,” on 50th anniversary, the UAE has now stands tall, wiser, experienced, settled and a fort for the people living here and who call it “home”. The country has given its residents and citizens the most living environment and a happy life which we enjoy every day. All credit goes to the founder (late) Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who built its foundations and such an environment which nurtures humanity, positivity and innovation. The foundations of this country are based on ethical values, hard work and tolerance. Samana Group congratulates the UAE citizens, Rulers of all seven emirates who continued the legacy of the founder and put the UAE on global map of progressive nations.”

Rizwan Sajan, Chairman and Founder Danube Group said, “the year of the 50th, the country’s Golden Jubilee signifies a new era of change and growth for the UAE, the exemplary leadership of our nation coupled with strong minds, work ethics and determination of our people will be a game changer for the upcoming years for the country. Heartiest congratulations to the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai on this momentous occasion, we at Danube Group are proud to call UAE our home.”

Ahmad Alkhallafi, Managing Director at HPE UAE said, “the UAE is home to over 200 nationalities today. The country developing the most technologically advanced infrastructure in the region and its significant investments in human development have turned the UAE into one of the fastest developing nations in the world. Creating and maintaining a sustainable environment and infrastructure were the key pillars of the National Agenda in line with Vision 2021. I am proud to represent HPE in the UAE, a company that is working closely with the government for over a decade of its establishment in the country.”

He added, “HPE has made significant contributions to the innovation agendas of the country in the field of SME, advanced weather forecasting and overall climate research, supporting start-ups with its digital innovation expertise, and is constantly on the move to foster innovation and attract talent that is critical to economic sustainability and future readiness. The achievements of the last 50 years and the vision for the next 50 years are drawn by our wise leadership through many initiatives and projects. With the opening of the world’s first HPE Digital Life Garage last year in Dubai, we have reiterated our commitment to the country under UAE Centennial Plan 2071 that is aimed towards the betterment of the communities and society at large by keeping technology in the center for development.”

Bharat Bhatia, CEO & Founder of Conares said, “we are proud to be part of the UAE’s 50th anniversary celebrations and would like to extend our best wishes and a hearty congratulations to the residents and visionary rulers of this great nation. We are grateful to this country for supporting businesses like ours and without them, our success wouldn’t have been possible. This is a momentous occasion as it creates a very special and grandiose atmosphere that just makes you want to get involved in the festivities.”

Hyther Nizam, MEA President of Zoho Corp said, “ we extend our sincerest wishes to the UAE’s leadership and people on the occasion of the 50th National Day. We are proud to witness the historic achievements, prosperity and happiness that told the inspiring story of a nation’s unwavering determination and ambition that knows no bounds. With the nation’s continued unity, the UAE has strengthened its position as a leading competitive economy that supports businesses, innovation and technology, in which the government does not spare any effort to adopt the latest technologies that can further enhance the quality of people’s life and overall prosperity. We look forward to celebrating more achievements and continue to be a part of another 50 years of development and more.”

Dr Mostafa AlGuezeri, MD - Hitachi Energy for the UAE, Gulf, Near East & Pakistan said,” a great moment of pride to witness the National Day celebrations of the UAE’s 50 years of achievement and success. I salute the visionary leaders, citizens and residents of this great nation for commemorating the golden jubilee. May the feelings of patriotism and the love for this nation intensify for many more years to come! We at Hitachi Energy are fully committed to further strengthening the Nation’s foundation by advancing a sustainable energy future for the next generations.”

Abdul Jebbar PB, Group Managing Director of Hotpack Global said,” Happy 50th anniversary to the government and people of UAE. It is incredibly impressive how far UAE has come since the day of its inception. The UAE has redefined what business means for the rest of the world. We are grateful for all the support, and it’s been a privilege to be a part of the journey and to contribute in whatever way we can to continue realising the dreams that the founders of this country had.”

Abdulla Nalapad, MD - Nalapad Investments said,”it gives me great pleasure to say ‘Happy 50th National Day UAE’. It is a huge milestone for not just the government of the UAE but for everyone who has the privilege of living here. The UAE has made leaps and bounds in the field of education over the course of their entire lifetime and are proud that we have been a part of that journey. We are confident that they will continue to do so and are ready to contribute however we can.”  

Naren Vijay, Executive Vice President – EMEA at Lumenore said,” it’s a moment of pride to witness the 50th national day of this great nation.The UAE has seen incredible development since it came into being on all fronts, thanks to the vision of the UAE’s visionary leaders, UAE has consistently been the driving force behind innovation and forward-looking approach taken by the country. Making Dubai the region’s hub for finance, trade, commerce, logistics and AI in a span of a couple of decades is the result of untiring efforts of this great country, where the citizens and expatriates live in harmony and set an example for the world.

Malou Caluza, CEO of QNET said, “on the 50th National Day of this blessed country, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the leadership of UAE and the people of this great nation a very happy and successful National Day. UAE is a land of opportunities and certainly the last 50 years is not history, but 50 years of future for the world. Witnessing the UAE celebrating its 50th anniversary is moment a of pride. UAE has continued its march towards glory even under challenging situations.”