WASHINGTON- UAE celebrated its 40th National Day on 2nd December, 2011. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent her greetings to the UAE on this occasion.
In her message she iterates, “On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of the United Arab Emirates as you celebrate your National Day this December 2”.
She added that the United States and the UAE share a long history of friendship and cooperation. Over the past 40 years, United Arab Emirates has made phenomenal success in economic, education, and
healthcare arenas. These impressive achievements serve as a beacon for countries around the world seeking to build a brighter future.
“Today, our two countries are working together to promote peace and security, support economic growth and improve educational opportunities in the region and around the world” Clinton said: “I wish all Emiratis a safe and happy celebration on this special day. Congratulations and best wishes for a year of peace and prosperity.”
As part of National Day celebrations, UAE Embassy in Washington DC welcomed guests at a gala reception that paid tribute to the life and vision of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The event was hosted by the UAE Ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba, at the new headquarters of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). While addressing guests Ambassador Al Otaiba said, “This is a proud day for all Emiratis as we celebrate the significant progress our nation has made in just four decades”. He also congratulated the UAE President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and the federation’s other leaders on this occasion.
Nations Day celebrations were organized at all UAE embassies and diplomatic missions across the world. From Warsaw to Brasilia, Moscow and Manila, the embassies of the United Arab Emirates hosted gala receptions under the patronage of the ambassadors in the respective countries. Senior state officials of each country, members of the business communities, cultural personalities, members of other diplomatic missions and other dignitaries attended the reception. The ambassadors shed light on 40 years of UAE’s history and development, and paid homage to its founding president the Late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan