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The land that transformed from desert to green

As the UAE gears up to celebrate National Day, dxbuzz looks back at its history in an ode to the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Once an unknown desert land, the UAE has come a long way to become an oasis booming with life. Of course, this came to be under the strong leadership of its founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was armed with foresight and a vision to establish a prosperous nation that would not only create a bustling platform of business and trade, but also bring in values of morality, kindness and peace in a bid to help others in need. The discovery of oil was what propelled the governed area to flourish. Prior to that, the primary source of livelihood was rooted in fishing, pearl diving, camel rearing, and the like.
Sheikh Zayed was a true leader with principles centred on wisdom, respect, sustainability and human development, long before the UAE was even established. And his legacy continues to live on in the hearts of Emiratis, as well as expatriates who have lived in the UAE during his reign.
Following the independence of the UAE on December 2, 1971, the Trucial States of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah united to form a country that would later transform into a cosmopolitan destination with a vibrant modern lifestyle. The country joined the Arab League on December 6, followed by the United Nations on December 9. Bringing countries across the region together, the UAE is also the founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the year 1981, that strengthened its relationship with neighbouring nations. 
Fast forward to the present, the vision of Sheikh Zayed remains alive, thanks to initiatives led by The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as well as respected leaders of the other emirates.
The UAE is now marching towards establishing a green sustainable economy as part of its Vision 2021, where it aims to reduce its dependency on oil and envision long-term growth for generations to come. It is also looking to transition into a Smart nation, where integrated technology is set to take over government tasks and ensure a well-connected hub as the world journeys through the age of digitalisation.
Besides being passionate about its energy, defence and security, healthcare and tourism sectors, space exploration is a novel zone that the UAE is enthusiastic about, notably with the launch of Emirati-designed KhalifaSat in October this year.
As a young country, the UAE has achieved numerous feats in quick succession in the past 47 years that has left the rest of the world in awe, and it continues to excel while following in the footsteps of its beloved Founder, Sheikh Zayed. 
With the Emirati and expatriate community living in harmony, December 2 is set to give rise to citywide celebrations. Embracing the Spirit of the Union, the sky will be lit with brilliant firework displays, while leisure venues will introduce exciting shows, activities and shopping deals for the whole family to enjoy.