‘UAE’s growth strategy based on investment in its human capital’

Abu Dhabi / WAM

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said that the UAE’s development and growth strategy is essentially based on investment in its human capital, saying that this “real wealth” is what will secure the nation’s bright future.
He also stressed the importance of the contribution of women to this process, and praised their achievements in all fields.
His Highness made these comments on Tuesday at Al Bahr Palace in Abu Dhabi, where, on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day, he received Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council, along with a number of ministers and FNC members, as well as women leaders from the civil and military sectors.
Speaking during the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed said that women in the UAE have assumed their natural place in the process of national development, thanks to the future and long term vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who paved their way, enabling them to defy the odds and overcome any obstacles with confidence, as well as to participate in building the nation alongside their brothers.
He also referenced the support given by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to women, which, Sheikh Mohamed said, stems from his profound belief in the vital role that women play in the building of the nation, its development andprosperity.
The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince went on to assert that women in the UAE have demonstrated their valuable, efficient, excellent and successful leadership skills in various social, develop- mental, economic and political sectors.
His Highness explained that women add a vital dimension to the process of nation-building and prosperity through their active participation in all areas, which has seen them occupy prominent positions at the global level, and become leaders in many fields.
Sheikh Mohamed noted that as part of its permanent strategy, the UAE focusses on the progression of its citizens, saying that they are the prime movers of the developmental process.
His Highness explained that following the completion of the first stages of development, which included the provision of access to basic services in education, health, infrastructure and capitalising on human resources, the country had entered stage two, which requires its sons and daughters to utilise their excellence, creativity and innovation, seek out more knowledge and education, and continue towards achieving success.
His Highness went on to say that the nation’s forefathers had provided great lessons in the importance of loyalty, sacrifice and hard work in serving the country, adding that the UAE’s heritage is deep-rooted in great values and principles which have shaped its culture.
The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince also highlighted the fact that the Emirati people, both men and women, continue to carry on this inherited message of building an impervious homeland, where love, progress, and all requirements of a decent life reside.
During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed expressed his pride in the achievements of UAE national women and the part they have played in the nation-building process, as well as his pride in the mothers of martyrs, who, he said, have left their mark on the nation by filling its memories with the values of loyalty, sacrifice and belonging.
His Highness said, “Through you and the children of this nation, with determination, will and education, the UAE will continue to achieve its goals, make progress, and accomplish excellence in all fields.”
The women leaders said that the opportunities that the UAE provides to its daughters, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, and the tireless efforts of HH 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, have allowed them to take their real place in society and are instrumental in highlighting the abilities of Emirati women, which in turn enables them to create a distinctive presence as they contribute to the development process of their country.