The UAE is making “confident progress” in delivering Vision 2021 goals, said the President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on the eve of the 45th National Day celebrations.

“The government has adopted and approved national policies and strategies for innovation, creativity, excellence, reading, research and development, the future, housing, women and youth empowerment and happiness,” Sheikh Khalifa said.

“In this respect, the Emirates Council for Youth and the Emirates Council for Scientists were set up.”

The government had also taken significant strides in developing the legislative and regulatory framework to attract investment.

Policies had been introduced to promote the green economy and comply with requirements for sustainability, protection of the environment and conservation of natural resources, said Sheikh Khalifa.

Plans to upgrade education and health services, modernise the infrastructure and qualify youths to easily enter the job market, had also been approved.

“On the micro economy, despite the slump in global economy and decline in world oil prices, our national economy has maintained vibrant performance and the Gross Domestic Product has exceeded the set target, thanks to vibrancy, resilience and diversification of the economic infrastructure and high contributions of non-oil sectors,” said Sheikh Khalifa.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said celebrating National Day was a chance to evaluate the country’s achievements and performance during the past year, as every year was a leap in the journey of the UAE’s great union.

Sheikh Mohammed, in a message released by Wam, said securing a prominent and leading place for the UAE in the future depended on its competence to foresee the future and the efficiency of both government and private sectors in keeping pace with future changes, adapting to its requirements in a timely manner.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said that as the country celebrated its 45th anniversary, we recall the values that brought the Founding Fathers together to establish the federation.

Sheikh Mohammed said the people of the UAE had demonstrated in action rather than in words their sincere and genuine support of the leadership, and their willingness to make sacrifices for their nation.

He said that the UAE was a nation of tolerance, peace and cultural diversity. The UAE, he added, called “on all peoples, societies and believers of all faiths and cultures to recognise our similarities and to coexist peacefully, and to oppose conflicts intended to create instability and discourage development”.

He renewed the UAE’s commitment to combating extremism and terrorism – in all its forms and manifestations.

“Terrorism is a global phenomenon that transcends borders, cultures and religions,” he said.

“Its violence is complex and interconnected and requires international collaboration to confront it. We must address the roots and causes of extremism, prevent the recruitment of misled youth and counter extremist ideology.

“This is instrumental in creating a secure and stable international community that allows tolerance, dialogue and coexistence to -prosper.”

He also pledged to continue to build the UAE to take its position among advanced, developed nations. “As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the UAE National Day, we pledge to the citizens of our nation to continue the journey of development and prosperity,” he said.

“Our nation is calling on you to participate in its growth towards a bright future for our children and grandchildren.”

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, noted that “the UAE has earned a prominent place among the world’s well-respected countries”.

She said that women had made “gains and outstanding achievements” through political and economic empowerment initiated by the President.