UAE's march to progress with leaders' innovative vision

As the UAE celebrates its 47th anniversary, it is timely to reflect upon how the country has developed and how heritage runs deep even when it races towards the future. Thanks to the country's visionary leadership, what the nation has accomplished in the last four decades is truly extraordinary.
At the core of the remarkable accomplishments in all areas that have made the nation proud is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose vision and developmental insights have helped in the nation's march to progress.
Indian expat Mahendra Asher said he gave up his green card dream to live in Dubai and happy that he made that decision in 1971. Asher, who was also present at the Union House when the signing of the declaration of unity took place, said: "I have seen this country grow at an enormous pace and this is because of the vision of its leaders who think in a smart, futuristic manner that can bring happiness and prosperity to the people."
Fourteen-year-old Nazneen, who was born and raised in the UAE, said every year the country surprises her with a number of innovative solutions such as free WiFi in public places and even in Metro, smart Nol cards that you can even shop with, various apps to pay your utility bills saves her parents the headache of running around, electric cars, e-gates and more.
Excited about the latest innovations in technology, Nazneen said: "I can't wait to order my flying taxi as not only will it be fascinating but will also make traffic snarls a thing of the past and of course, will boost tourism. Also, I am eagerly waiting for the arrival of the hyperloop train."
Omar Farooqui, who runs a coding company in the UAE, said: "As a long-term resident of the UAE and someone who prides himself on being at the cutting edge of technology, I have seen UAE grow and mature into a global metropolis while implementing the use of technology and integrating it in its residents' everyday lives. Be it government apps, be it high tech schools, driverless cars or even retail drone deliveries, everything is impacted by technology which can only be possible when you have country leadership that are wanting this and are not afraid to experiment."
An occasion for celebration
Born and raised in the UAE, 30-year-old Hakim Boriawala said National Day celebrations for him and his friends would be one of the most awaited times of the years when they were at school.
Comparing how National Day was celebrated in the past and present, Hakim said: "Holidays, of course, were the best part of National Day and we would ensure we utilised them in the best way to prepare and celebrate the day. Our preparation would start by finding someone who could drive us around the city as we all were below 18 years and therefore couldn't drive. We then would squeeze into one car, that we would decorate elaborately, and then join the car rallies happening in Jumeirah. Using the foam spray was the best part of our outing.
"It was more about going out and watching the parade and being part of the car rallies as we didn't have so many malls and attractions then. But now we have a whole extravaganza planned days before the National Day, such as special attractions at malls, fireworks, great deals so nowadays we celebrate the day by planning special dinners or get together with the family."
'We have embraced the culture'
Although a Philippine national, 11-year-old Khadeeja Yahya has just been two her native place just twice. If you want to know her love for the country, then picture this. Khadeejah does not know or speak in Tagalog but she speaks only in Arabic. She goes to Arabic school, wears jalabiya, her mother makes only Arabic food at home and she considers herself no less local than Emiratis.
"I have known UAE as my country ever since I opened my eyes in this world. I cannot express myself in any language better than in Arabic and somewhat English. National Day for us is our festival day. Earlier we would go to 2nd December Street to watch the parade of Emiratis dancing and displaying the culture of the UAE through traditional dances and songs but nowadays we celebrate it by cooking some nice Arabic dishes and going out to parks with family and friends."
Khadeeja's father Yahya, who has been in the UAE for over 20 years and works at the Islamic Information Centre, said: "We have completely embraced the culture, language, cuisine of this beautiful country that has given us a reason to be happy and close to our religion."
saman@khaleejtimes.com