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December 1, 2021Abu Dhabi.
MESSAGE OF HIS EXCELLENCY BISHOP PAUL HINDER ON THE OCCASION OF THE 50TH UAE NATIONAL DAY
On the 2nd of December 2021, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the forming of the United Arab Emirates. Fifty years ago, the Rulers of the different Emirates met together under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed to form the union of the Trucial States and to found the new nation. Sheikh Zayed, the Father of the Nation, has chronicled his efforts and that of the other rulers who co-founded the UAE; “We alongside our brothers the Rulers and the people of the UAE, have exerted every effort and made sacrifices big and small to ensure all means necessary for the establishment of the Union. As the Union transitions from one phase to another, with each phase we must reassess and reorganise in order to continue our march forward, achieve higher rates faster, and meet the people’s expectations.” These words remind us that the way to the Union and the onward journey up to the present day was not paved with success stories of prosperity alone, but also involved numerous sacrifices and hard work, the dedication and resolve to excel, and of making the choice to adopt noble values, peaceful solutions and dialogue as the preferential pathway at crucial stages.
The progress of the UAE shows us that the successors of Sheikh Zayed and the other co-founders of the Union together with the citizens of this country, have taken these words to heart and translated it into action and culture. The country’s rich tradition of welcome, hospitality and tolerance, together with the safety, security and peaceful coexistence that different nationalities and cultures enjoy have helped the country to become one of the major players on the world stage and a preferred destination, both to work and to live.
As the nation celebrates its 50th anniversary, on behalf of the Catholic Community, I would like to extend our warmest greetings and congratulations to the Rulers and the citizens of this country and on this joyous occasion, we pray that God may send his rich blessings to the nation and its people.
Here is the video message.