UAE commemorates 42nd National Day

The following message was contributed by Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Korea Abdulla Al Romaithi to commemorate his country’s 42nd National Day, which falls on Dec. 2. ― Ed.

On Dec. 2 each year, the United Arab Emirates commemorates its foundation.

This day 42 years ago, the late founding president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, together with members of the Supreme Council of Rulers, united seven emirates under one flag: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain and Fujairah.

The UAE has made achievements in all spheres, steered by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, members of the Supreme Council of Rulers, and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of Armed Forces General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

GDP grew by 4.4 percent in 2012 to exceed the Dh 1 trillion ($272 billion) level for the first time. The IMF expects GDP to grow by 3.1 percent in 2013 and 6.3 percent in 2014. Inflation fell significantly from 12.3 percent in 2008 to 0.7 percent in 2012.

Oil and gas continue to play an enormously important role. But the non-oil sector is growing. It accounts for more than two-thirds of the economy thanks to economic diversification. The transport and aviation sectors have been upgraded. Aviation players Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia expanded noticeably last year.

The UAE has been active within the GCC, the Arab League and other international organizations. It has provided aid to countries in need of development or hit by disasters, such as the typhoon-devastated Philippines just a few weeks ago.

After participating in expos including the latest one held in Yeosu, the UAE has gained confidence to host the 2020 Expo in Dubai.

The UAE has continued its efforts to cement its strategic partnership with Korea since it was established in 2009. Delegations have exchanged visits this year in different sectors. Visits by the leaders of the two countries are expected in the near future.

Bilateral trade has exceeded $19 billion for the first 10 months of this year. The nuclear power plants project by a Korean consortium and the development of oil and gas in Abu Dhabi are proceeding smoothly. The UAE delivered the first shipment of crude oil for joint storage in Yeosu last September under a 2012 agreement.

Korean companies are marketing their products and services in the country and re-exporting them to the Gulf region, South Asia, Europe and Africa. Educational exchanges are noticeable, with UAE students and trainees attending a number of Korean higher education institutions. More Emirati citizens go to Korea for quality medical tourism under a bilateral agreement between UAE health authorities and Korea’s hospitals and medical centers.