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Khalifa honours Mohammed, Sultan

ABU DHABI - The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has said the achievements scored by the UAE had been triggered by the perseverance of the distinguished men and women who shouldered the responsibility to build this country and preserve its interests.

Shaikh Khalifa presenting the Zayed Order to Shaikh Mohammed at Diyafa Palace in Abu Dhabi. — Wam

He added that they were inspired by ‘the spirit of the Union’ to place the UAE on the world map. Shaikh Khalifa made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at AlDiyafa Palace in Al Mushrif, while honouring the winners of the President Merit Award 2012 in its second edition.

He honoured His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in the presence of General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The UAE President appreciated the role of the winners in many spheres of achievements that led the UAE to the stage of prosperity, noting that each of them fared well in his field. He added that their achievements reflect the self denial and love for this great country. Shaikh Khalifa said the winners’ efforts complement the role of the Union founders.

“It is our duty to appreciate the deeds of those who exert utmost efforts for this dear country,” he said.

The UAE President said the President Merit Award is meant to honour and elevate the winners for their achievements to this country.

Shaikh Khalifa, Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Dr Shaikh Sultan received the congratulations from the members of the Board of Trustees of the Award, on the occasion of the UAE’s 41^st National Day anniversary.

The honoured included: Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid in the category of the distinguished development initiatives and community service. He received the Zayed Order, while the Ruler of Sharjah also received the Zayed Order in recognition of his role in the field of culture and art.

The Vice-President then presented to Shaikh Khalifa the two original pens used in the signing of the Union as memento gifts.

The late Musbeh Al Kindi, Ali Bumelha Al Murr, the late Mujran Mohammed Ahmed Al Kindi Al Murr were honoured in the field of support for charity values, while Dr Jameela Salem Humaid Al Suwaidi was honoured in the scientific field.

Abdullah Sultan Al Aryani was honoured in the field of sports. Rt. Lt. General Hamad Suhail Awaidah Al Khaili and Counselor Ibrahim Mohammed Bumelha were honoured in the humanitarian field. Abdullah Mohammed Al Qaz Al Falasi was honoured in his support for the spirit of the Union. The award was received on his behalf by his son.

Shaikh Mohammed thanked Shaikh Khalifa for this honouring, describing it as “kind gesture from the leader of the Union, whose spirits galvanise Emiratis”. He pledged to continue strenuous work to sustain the prosperity experienced by the UAE.

For his part, the Ruler of Sharjah said the honouring is “a fresh mandate to continue the path outlined by the wise leadership, and the same course chalked out by the founder and builder of the renaissance of the UAE, the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. May God rest his soul in eternal peace, so that the UAE remains the model of cohesion and sense of national belonging”.