Message of the Ambassador H.E. Salem Mohamed Al Zaabi, on the 54thUnion Day (Eid Al Etihad) of the United Arab Emirates

 On the 54thanniversary of the unification of the United Arab Emirates, we proudly celebrate a nation built on unity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to human development. The theme of this year, “United”, reflects the values of cohesion, tolerance, and shared purpose that have shaped the UAE since its establishment on 2 December 1971 under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan—may Allah have mercy on him-.

 

 On this day, we recall the exceptional journey of a nation that began with a wise vision and a firm will, turning the Union into a unique model of nation-building, development, and progress, it has shaped the features of the present and laid the foundations for the future, thanks to a wise leadership that placed the human being at the heart of development and made the nation’s progress and prosperity its constant goal.

Our Union Day celebration under the theme “United” coincides with the declaration of 2025 as the Year of the Community, reflecting the leadership’s belief in the vital role of citizens and residents in advancing national progress and highlighting the UAE’s unique model of unity in diversity and harmonious coexistence among more than 200 nationalities.

Over the past five decades, the UAE has become a global model of innovation, economic diversification, and sustainable development. With forward-looking strategies such as “We the UAE 2031” and “UAE Centennial 2071”, the UAE continues to shape the future through achievements in clean energy, artificial intelligence, space exploration, and knowledge-based economic growth, the UAE has undergone major transformations in various fields from economy and sustainable development to space exploration, and from clean energy to artificial intelligence placing it among the leading nations shaping the future rather than waiting for it, these achievements are not coincidental, they are the result of a comprehensive strategic vision rooted in excellence, resource management, and investment in people and knowledge, making the UAE a global hub for innovation, growth, and creativity.

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade achieved outstanding performance, growing by 24% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. Non-oil trade reached AED 1.7 trillion (USD 0.46 trillion) in the first half—double the level recorded five years ago—with record increases in trade exchanges during the first half of 2025, the UAE ranked second globally in the number of new foreign direct investments, it also ranked third globally and first in the Middle East in terms of the total assets of sovereign wealth funds, which reached USD 2.49 trillion by mid-2025.

The technology and artificial intelligence sector received greater national focus, with more than 40 national projects, laws, initiatives, and international MoUs adopted to attract leading companies, talent, and investments that will shape the next two decades, the UAE announced its participation in the development of the lunar space station project alongside the United States, Japan, Canada, and the EU, it also announced joining the ranks of leading nations in polar research, becoming the first Arab country with a permanent polar research base, the scope of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) expanded to include more countries and economies in 2025, aiming to develop a global trade and investment network and strengthen the UAE’s position as a gateway for non-oil global trade.

The UAE launched a new model marking a major milestone in regional AI development: “Falcon Arabic”, the first Arabic-language AI model in the Falcon series, officially becoming the highest-performing Arabic model in the Middle East, the comprehensive UAE–US AI Complex was announced with a capacity of 5 gigawatts, the complex will host U.S. companies providing regional computing services and servicing the Global South, creating a regional platform that enables major AI companies to serve nearly half the world’s population, UAE cities achieved advanced positions in the 2025 Smart Cities Index issued by IMD; Dubai ranked fourth globally and first in the Arab world, while Abu Dhabi ranked fifth globally, the UAE topped the region in the “Government AI Readiness Index” covering 193 countries, the UAE continues building an innovation-driven economy, establishing labs and innovation centers that support growth in future sectors, making the UAE a global destination for investment in AI and advanced technology.

The UAE pursues a balanced, open, and dialogue-driven foreign policy rooted in principles established since its founding, including good-neighborliness, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international law. The UAE views peace and development as interconnected foundations for global progress and actively supports humanitarian initiatives, international cooperation, and regional and global stability.

Coexistence is a fundamental pillar of the UAE’s social fabric and a deeply rooted value embodying the essence of the national identity. Since its establishment, the UAE has adopted an open human-centered approach that made it a global model of tolerance and peace, a bridge between cultures, and a beacon of understanding among people.

The distinguished relations between the UAE and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan reflect the depth of friendly ties built on mutual respect and shared interests, we look forward to continuing our joint work toward broader horizons of cooperation in various fields of mutual interest.

The achievements of the UAE past and present are the continuation of a forward-looking vision adopted by its wise leadership, a vision that places people at the heart of development, innovation as the foundation of progress, and sustainability as a guiding principle for building the future, on this national occasion, we reaffirm the UAE’s commitment to cooperation, openness, and constructive engagement with countries and communities worldwide, in support of peace, stability, and sustainable development.

 

 

 

We extend our profound appreciation to all those who have contributed to the strengthening of relations between the UAE and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. We look forward to further expanding the scope of these historic bonds toward broader horizons of economic cooperation in the coming years, for the mutual benefit and prosperity of our two friendly nations.

May the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Pakistancontinue to prosper, and may peace and harmony prevail around the world.

 

Long live UAE and Pakistan