The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences celebrated the UAE’s 53rd Union Day today (Monday, November 25, 2024) at its headquarters in Dubai.
The celebration was attended by H.E. Ahmed bin Humaid Al Tayer, former Minister of State for Financial Affairs and a prominent administrative, financial, and sports figure from the earlier generation who witnessed the nation’s founding and development phases. The event was also attended by H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, H.E. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Muhairi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, as well as H.E. Rashid Bin Fahad, H.E. Saeed Al Raqbani, Mohammed Bin Dhaen Al-Hamli, H.E. Hussain Lootah, and members of the Board of Trustees, along with a number of officials and employees.
The event began with the national anthem, followed by speeches from officials and national-themed segments. During his lecture titled “The United Arab Emirates: Memories and Achievements”, H.E. Ahmed bin Humaid Al Tayer shared his personal accounts of the nation’s founding and growth, reflecting on his time in various ministerial and administrative roles within the government and his proximity to national decision-makers. He provided an in-depth look at the UAE’s early journey and how it achieved remarkable progress in a short span, becoming a pioneering model thanks to its wise leadership and the efforts of the founding fathers, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and their contemporaries.
H.E. Al Tayer highlighted numerous details of the country’s critical historical phases, including the arduous tasks undertaken by the founding fathers with wisdom, patience, determination, and a clear vision. He emphasized the ambitious plans that were successfully implemented to ensure a dignified and prosperous life for the country’s citizens and residents.
HE stated, “These remarkable achievements did not come easily but were the result of overcoming significant challenges and difficulties. The wise leadership of that time managed to navigate and overcome these obstacles through strategic policies and plans encompassing all vital sectors. Today, the UAE stands as a hub for innovators, creators, and talents from around the globe, across all fields and disciplines, and has cemented its position among the world’s most advanced nations.”
HE added, “The UAE’s aspirations remain ongoing and boundless. Under the exceptional leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, along with Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, the UAE has secured its place in global competitiveness across all fields. The achievements of our successful national journey owe their gratitude to the guidance of our wise leadership and the dedication of Emiratis and residents alike.”
H.E. Al Tayer also shed light on the humanitarian and governmental contributions of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, particularly in empowering federal and local institutions under his leadership. He described the late Sheikh Hamdan as a national and humanitarian icon whose contributions will remain etched in the nation’s proud history.
HE concluded by expressing his happiness to participate in the Foundation’s 53rd Union Day celebration and extended his congratulations on this significant national occasion.
On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, extended his heartfelt congratulations on Union Day, wishing continued prosperity and progress for the UAE and its leadership. HE remarked:
“On this cherished occasion, we extend our warmest congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai. He also conveyed congratulations to Rulers of the Emirates, the Crown Princes, the Deputies of the Rulers and to Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, Supreme President of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences and to the people and residents of the UAE on this beloved occasion.”
HE emphasized the UAE’s early dedication to advancing education, disseminating knowledge, and encouraging communities to value education as a tool to equip generations with the necessary skills to meet market demands and achieve sustainable development. In this spirit, the Foundation was established to enhance the quality of education through initiatives, awards, and programs that foster talent, innovation, and scientific research.
The Foundation continues its broad activities to support the UAE’s journey by advancing science in various fields and aligning with global progress in knowledge. It does so by leveraging expertise, nurturing talented students and exceptional educators, and building strategic partnerships at local, regional, and international levels.
