UAE marks 42nd National Day

On 2nd December 2013, the United Arab Emirates marks its National Day, celebrating 42 years since the state was established in 1971. For citizens and expatriate residents of the seven component emirates of the federation, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain and Fujairah, it has been a year during which the country has continued to thrive and prosper, despite the political turmoil that has continued to engulf much of the Middle East region. . The economic recovery already visible over the last couple of years has continued to accelerate, with a notable impact on business confidence. Located in the south-east corner of the Arabian peninsula, with coastlines both on the Arabian Gulf and on the Gulf of Oman, the seven emirates, formerly known as the Trucial States , came together following the withdrawal of Britain after 150 years. Led by the UAE s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the seven rulers decided to form a federation, to work together to bring prosperity and development to their people. Aided by the vision of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE has since emerged as one of the fastest-growing and most stable countries in the region. Sheikh Zayed himself died in 2004, after over thirty years as President. The process of growth, however, has continued under the leadership of his son and successor as President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, their fellow members of the UAE s Supreme Council of Rulers and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Despite the continuing problems faced by the global economy over the last few years, the UAE, thanks to its wise economic policies, has continued to develop successfully, with further growth confidently predicted for the years ahead. The UAE government s commitment to upholding all rights and freedoms for its citizens and other residents has led to the state becoming what has been described as "a paradise for citizens and others. All live in peace in a tolerant community that is free from segregation and injustice." These values are also evident in the UAE s approach to equality for all citizens, and thanks to the government policy of supporting women in their pursuit of responsibility, many now occupy leading positions in both the public and private sector. Today, women account for around 70 per cent of all university graduates in the country and fill around two thirds of government jobs, providing four members of the Cabinet, the new UAE Permanent Representative to the UN, several members of the Federal National Council, judges and ambassadors. Others can found across a wide variety of professions, from police and army officers to bankers and entrepreneurs, environmental scientists and teachers and even airline pilots. The doors of opportunity are open to all. The guiding principles that underlie the success of the state, originally laid down over forty years ago, remain fundamental elements in the policies of the UAE s Government. One was that the resources deriving from the exploitation of Abu Dhabi s oil and gas reserves should be shared across the country in the development of its infrastructure. A second was that, as Sheikh Zayed put it, the country s real wealth is its people , and that, in consequence, particular effort should be made to ensure that they should benefit from the best available access to education, health care and social services, to equip them, both men and women, to play their full part in the country s growth. A third principle, in recognition of the fact that the UAE was a country that would attract people of many nationalities, was that it should be a country where a spirit of tolerance between those of different communities and faiths should prevail, yet one where its own national culture and heritage should be both cherished and protected. Although firmly committed to the Islamic faith of its citizens, the UAE is now home to over 40 churches and cathedrals as well as to places of worship for other faiths. At a time when challenges to tolerance are increasing throughout the region, the Government and people of the UAE are determined to ensure that this fundamental element of the country s way of life should continue. And the fourth principle, looking outside the country, was that the UAE was to seek to promote dialogue, co-operation and the resolution of conflicts, both within the Arab world and the broader Islamic community and within the wider international community. All have proved to be of importance over the course of the last year. In terms of the UAE economy, although signs of recovery from the crisis that began in 2008 began to become apparent during 2011, the real effect of the turn-around has become clearly visible over the last couple of years, in all key sectors of the economy. Trade, aviation, tourism and retail sectors have seen substantial growth, along with the oil and gas industry, benefiting from high international prices. The UAE's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will touch US$395 billion (Dh1.45 trillion) this year, before growing further to US $410 billion next year, according to Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, the Minister of Economy. The country's GDP has grown more than 200 times since 1971 from US$1.77 billion to US$360 billion in 2012. The contribution of the construction sector as a percentage of GDP is projected to reach 11.1 per cent in 2015 and 11.5 per cent by 2021. Spending on public projects in Abu Dhabi and the constant growth in the services sector in Dubai will enhance economic growth, especially amid the recovery being experienced in the construction and real estate sectors. The UAE's policy of economic diversification, focused on high-tech industry, logistics, ports, tourism, financial services, health, education and media, has created immense opportunities for the construction industry. Al Mansouri says that the UAE's ability to attract large overseas investments, notably in the construction industry, has also raised the country's status as a source of funding for the global economy. Major projects such as the Mohammad bin Rashid City in Dubai and major infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi will create a new momentum in the nation's construction sector and take it through a phenomenal phase of growth in the coming years. Another area of development has been in aviation, with both the country s flag-carriers and the main airports reporting growth. Etihad Airways said that its total revenue (including cargo) grew to Dh9.18 billion (US$2.5 billion) for the first six months of 2013, an increase of 14%. Of this, Etihad's partnership revenue comprised 20% of total passenger revenue in both periods. In 2013, Etihad Airways received all three awards in the First Class Category at the 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards "Best First Class", "Best First Class Seats" and "Best First Class Catering". It also received the 2013 "TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Award" in the First Class (Male) category. As of September 2013, Etihad served 96 passenger and cargo destinations across Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Australasia from its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Etihad Airways is one of the few carriers to have services to all six inhabited continents. Dubai-based Emirates Airline says its annual net profit rose by 52% as the carrier's fast growth outpaced rising fuel costs. In the group s 2012-13 Annual Report, the company posted a Dh 3.1 billion (US$ 845 million) net profit, up 34 per cent from last year. Even with external challenges, the Group s revenue reached Dh 77.5 billion (US$ 21.1 billion), an increase of 17 per cent over last year s results. Sharjah-based Air Arabia announced a net profit increase of 17 per cent for the first half of 2013 with a net profit of Dh 134 million, up on the Dh 115 million recorded over the same 2012 period, with turnover up 19 per cent over the same period, to Dh 1.5 billion. RAK Airways relaunched in 2010, carried 300.000 passengers in 2012, with an increase of 40 per cent in the first quarter of 2013. Elsewhere in the transport sector, as part of its endeavours to promote sustainable transport, the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport has commenced trial operations of its first fully electric bus, which will run on various routes in metropolitan Abu Dhabi and its suburbs over a six month trial period. Meanwhile, Etihad Rail, the national railway operator, is evaluating bids to connect key cities and industrial hubs in the country and link them to the Saudi border as part of the most important phase of the UAE's multibillion Dollar railroads programme which is currently under construction. Proceeding in three phases, the nation s first rail transport system will extend approximately 1,200 km across the Emirates, catering to both freight and passengers. It will connect urban and remote communities, facilitate trade, open up communication channels and foster economic development. The network will also form a vital part of the GCC Railway Network - linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia in the west and Oman via Al Ain in the east. In terms of shipping, the Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Abu Dhabi Terminals are celebrating the first complete year of commercial operations at Abu Dhabi's flagship state-of-the-art Khalifa Port. In just one year, Khalifa Port has gone from a stretch of reclaimed land four kilometres out to sea, to a busy hub port serving 17 shipping lines, offering 18 direct services with direct links to more than 40 ports. In July, the terminal handled a record 81,000 TEU containers - the most ever handled in one month in the emirate. Dubai World Central is an area of 140 square kilometres designated as a self-sustained economic zone to support a multitude of activities including logistics, aviation, commercial, exhibition, humanitarian, residential and leisure related businesses all built around a world-class airport with the planned annual capacity of 12 million tonnes of cargo and 160 million passengers. Phase One of the Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport is now completed and fully operational. Phase Two of the airport, which includes the construction of an additional two automated and one non-automated cargo terminals, is currently under way. Meanwhile, DP World's ?1.5 billion London Gateway deep-sea port also opened in 2013. It is designed to become one of Europe s busiest container terminals. DP World now operates more than 65 marine terminals across six continents. A selection of other statistics provide a further indication of the country s growth.The UAE is now among the top five countries in the world for new hotel openings over the past five years, beaten only by the US, China, the UK and India. According to figures released by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, more guests checked into Abu Dhabi s 146 hotels and hotel apartments in the first seven months of this year than in any other comparative period, with guest arrivals from January to July exceeding 1.5 million, 10% up on last year. In the first six months of 2013, the number of hotel guests rose by 11.1 per cent to 5.6 million. The number of rooms available increased by 4,729 to 58,950. The UAE was ranked first among Arab countries and 26th globally out of 183 countries in the Doing Business Report for 2013. It also occupied 24th place globally in the field of competitiveness, according to a report of the World Economic Forum for the year 2012/2013, covering 144 countries. An International Monetary Fund report issued in May predicted that the UAE s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, would rise by around 3.1 per cent in 2013, and by 6.3 per cent for 2014. The report noted that inflation had declined from 12. 3 per cent in 2008 to 0.7 per cent in 2012, with projections indicating that the rate will remain under 1.6 per cent during the current year. According to Ministry of Economy figures, from 1990 to 2013, the UAE Inflation Rate averaged 2.1 percent, reaching an all time high of 12.3 per cent in December of 2008 and a record low of -1.6 per cent in January of 2011. The main components of the consumer price index are: Housing (39 per cent of the total weight); Food and Soft Drinks (13.9 per cent) and Transportation (9.9 per cent). Textiles, Clothing and Footwear account for 7 per cent; Communications for 6.9 per cent and Miscellaneous Goods and Services for 5 per cent. Others include: Restaurants and Hotels (4.3 per cent); Furniture and Household Goods (4.2 per cent); Education (4 per cent); Recreation and Culture (3 per cent); Beverages and Tobacco (2 per cent) and Medical Care (1 per cent). The national index has a base of 100 as of 2007. UAE real estate continues to experience positive growth, with the gains in Dubai now filtering into the other emirates. Demand is being fuelled by a strong business sentiment in the country and the UAE s status as a "safe haven" for investment. Recovery in Abu Dhabi s real estate market is aided by the government s commitment to fund infrastructure and social developments. The residential market is leading the sectors, with apartments seeing average price increases year-on-year of 9.1 10.6 per cent and villas enjoying similar growth. Figures released in late 2013 suggested that there had been a significant increase of 20% and more in the price of properties in prime residential locations in Dubai, while lower, but still substantial, growth in parts of Abu Dhabi, where the release of newly-completed buildings on to the market in areas such as the Al Maryah Central Business District and adjacent Reem Island has added substantially to the availability of both residential and office accommodation. The growth in the country s economy, at all levels, has been supported by the ease of doing business in the UAE, which was ranked as the top country in the Middle East region in the 2011-2012 Global Competiveness Report. Government expenditure, a key driver of growth, has continued to focus on investment in the national infrastructure and on social, health and educational services, as part of a three-year plan, launched in 2011, to improve facilities for the country s citizens and for expatriate residents. Overall, the plan involves spending of around 133 billion UAE Dirhams, (US$36.2 billion). In September 2013, the Cabinet approved Dh140 billion general federal budget for 2014- 2016, up by 15 per cent compared to previous years. It also endorsed Dh46 billion for the federal budget of 2014, of which over half is allocated for the development and social welfare sectors. Meanwhile, 21 per cent of the budget has been allocated to both general and higher education sectors. The Cabinet also allocated Dh18.5 billion for the government affairs sector to upgrade and enhance delivery of services to citizens locally and abroad. Dh3.7 billion was allocated to the health sector and Dh1.4 billion for housing programmes. The UAE real GDP grew by around 4.4 per cent in 2012 to jump above Dh1 trillion for the first time since the country was founded more than 40 years ago. Growth in current prices is around 10 per cent, thanks to high oil prices. Official data from the National Statistics Bureau showed real GDP stood at around Dh1.02 trillion with the non-oil sector accounting for more than two thirds of the economy, at around Dh 690.3 billion. Major new projects expected to contribute towards further GDP growth include the massive New Khalifa City project, just outside Abu Dhabi, which was launched in November by the government services company, Musanada. The 49-square-kilometre project will eventually house 370,000 people, as well as the majority of the city s ministries, embassies, and financial and trade institutions. The project will include an area designated for schools, entertainment and sports facilities, and will house international think tanks and universities. Served by a network of trains, trams and pedestrian pathways, the first phase of Emirati housing, comprising 2,723 villa plots, is expected to be completed in around two years. A second phase should be completed in about 27 months, while a third phase will take a further two years to complete. Outside the framework of the formal budgets, further steps have also been taken to help UAE citizens. One way in which this is being done is through what has become known as the Sheikh Khalifa Initiative, a broad collection of activities, supported directly by the President. Among these are a programme under which thousands of citizens who lack their own homes have been given houses, and a debt-relief programme under which some debts owed to banks have been cancelled. The Debt Settlement Fund, established by the President and administered by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, has so far signed agreements with nearly 20 UAE banks, both local and foreign-owned, on the creation of a mechanism for the payment of loans on which recipients have defaulted. Efforts have also continued, on government instructions, to relieve the problems of Emiratis facing a burden of debts that they cannot repay. Another step, important for both citizens and expatriates in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, has been the continued implementation of a cap on rent increases, which cannot exceed five per cent for the renewal of contracts. First introduced in 2006, the rent cap has proved to be a powerful tool for limiting inflation and for promoting stability in the residential property market, with this now being further encouraged by a rapidly-increasing supply of new housing coming on to the market. While sectors such as construction, real estate, tourism, trade and services continue to represent a growing share of the UAE s GDP, the country s oil and gas industry remains, of course, of enormous importance, thanks to the presence of the fourth largest oil and fifth largest gas reserves in the world. Most of those are found in Abu Dhabi, both offshore and onshore. During the year, the 50th anniversary of the first oil production from Abu Dhabi s onshore areas, from the Bab field, was marked, with two new oilfields, those of Bida al-Qemzan and Qusaihwira, coming into production for the first time. By mid-2013, thanks to a heavy programme of investment in the last few years, Abu Dhabi s daily oil production was around 2.8 million barrels a day. This is set to increase over the next few years, with around US$60 billion due to be invested in field development by 2017 to raise installed production capacity to 3.5 million barrels a day. While much of this increase is expected to come from existing fields, thanks to the introduction of the latest enhanced oil recovery, EOR, techniques, new fields will also contribute their share. Unlike many other members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, the UAE oil industry has a structure that allows for foreign joint venture partners. As the year drew towards a close, Abu Dhabi s Supreme Petroleum Council was considering bids from eleven foreign oil companies for a stake in the main onshore concession, currently run by the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations, ADCO, which produces around 1.6 million barrels a day. The original concession expires in January 2014, with both the main current foreign partners and other potential entrants seeking to win a share of ADCO s production and reserves. A decision is expected during 2014. The economic and social progress achieved by the United Arab Emirates since it was established, coupled with the tolerance that characterises its way of life, has meant that Government has traditionally enjoyed overwhelming support from all of the country s residents, citizens and expatriates alike. That has continued to be displayed, with the UAE continuing to enjoy enviable stability at a time when much of the region is in turmoil. While continuing to support the principles of freedom of beliefs and of expression that are guaranteed under the country s Constitution, the Government has been obliged over the couple of years to take action against a small group of individuals linked to the international Muslim Brotherhood who have sought to challenge the country s tolerant approach. Of a group of 94 people charged with offences against the security of the state, 69 were convicted in July, while a further group of 30, 10 of whom were Emiratis and 20 of whom were Egyptian residents of the UAE, went on trial in early November charged with setting up a secret organisation, with receiving money from abroad and with theft of government documents. The Foreign Minister, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, outlined some of the fundamental elements of the country s foreign policy during his September 30th address to the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly. "The UAE continues to deeply believe in the goals and principles of the United Nations, as enshrined in its Charter, calling for the protection of international peace and security, promotion of peaceful coexistence among nations and peoples through peaceful resolution of international disputes, and respect for provisions of international law and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. These goals have also called for creating a favourable climate for international relations based on tolerance, non-violence, recognition of others and respect for human rights and people. My country has followed this approach in its regional and international relations." "Security and stability in the Gulf region represent a high priority in our balanced policy, which derives its principles from the Charter of the United Nations and the provisions of international law, especially those calling for peaceful coexistence, confidence-building, good neighborliness, mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs of the State, and pursuing peaceful means in resolving conflicts and disputes." "The UAE has a firm belief in the importance of human development at national and international levels, which can only be achieved through respect for human rights and equality among all people without discrimination on grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion, language or any other reason. This requires respect for human dignity, renunciation of violence and the prohibition of torture and degrading treatment. In this context, the UAE is very encouraged by the positive response regarding its Universal Periodic Review report, which was adopted by the members of the Human Rights Council, and where the achievements of the UAE were commended." One recognition of the country s human rights record was its election, in November 2012, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council. Of the 18 countries elected, the UAE received the second highest number of votes from the UN s member countries and has since begun its three-year term. Dr. Abdul Rahim Al Awadi, Assistant Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, was elected as Chairman of the Arab Organisation forHuman Rights for the period 2013-2015 The issue of human rights generally, and of rights in the workplace, continues to be the focus of attention from the Ministry of Labour, with efforts being stepped up to ensure that workers are paid salaries on time through the Government s Wages Protection Scheme. Companies not in compliance with this can have their dealings with government departments blocked until the situation is remedied. Another recent innovation has been the introduction of changes to make it easier for workers to change jobs, while the labour courts provide an arena in which workers can raise complaints against their employers if efforts to achieve an amicable agreement are unsuccessful. The UAE hosts millions of migrant workers of more than 200 nationalities from different countries of the world, so the country has adopted comprehensive strategies to protect workers' rights and worked on updating them constantly.Workers enjoy a good standard of accommodation, living, security and stability. They have full access to their rights according to the laws governing labour relations, in addition to the freedom to practice their religious beliefs. The Ministry of Labour has developed a strategy to ensure the right of workers to get fair wages, as well as mechanisms to achieve more flexibility and freedom of movement between different jobs and to provide workers with suitable housing and a safe working environment. There are a broad range of protection measures covering both pre- and post-departure needs of workers, beginning in the country of origin (for instance, by shielding workers from illegal recruiters), continuing after arrival in the country of destination (through, for example, measures curbing abuse and non-payment of wages), and on return and reintegration back home. While there has, naturally, been a focus by Government on the continued improvement of social services and on the expansion of those sectors of the economy which will make the greatest contribution to the creation of employment for young Emiratis, both men and women, the need to focus on other areas of national life has not been overlooked. Work continued during the year on plans for the development of the Sheikh Zayed National Museum on the island of Sa adiyat, adjacent to Abu Dhabi city. One of several major museums, including a Louvre and a Guggenheim, on which construction work has now commenced, it will form the centrepiece of a new cultural complex that is expected to attract visitors in their thousands from overseas. Attention has also continued to be paid to the protection of the UAE s fragile environment, this, together with cultural heritage, being considered to be important components of the country s national identity. In the field of foreign affairs, the Middle East and North Africa region has, for a third successive year, been affected by political turmoil. One of the most worrying features, in terms of human suffering, has been the continued escalation of violence in Syria, where conflict between the Government and its opponents has produced an estimated death toll of over 115,000 people, with up to two million now having fled into neighbouring countries for refuge and perhaps as many as 4 million more internally displaced. The UAE has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to the provision of humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees, particularly those in Jordan and Lebanon, working closely with international relief agencies. One special camp, built in Jordan, has a capacity to accommodate over 20,000 people. Elsewhere within the region, the UAE Government welcomed the July 2013 change in Government in Egypt and the laying out of a new road-map for the country s development. It also agreed to extend a total of US $4.9 billion in special economic assistance to the new Government. In September, His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, visited Egypt together with H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser and Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, for talks with the Egyptian President, Adly Mansour. Sheikh Mohamed expressed the UAE's satisfaction with the return of security and stability to Egypt, thanks to the efforts being made by the Egyptian leadership at this critical juncture. He also re-affirmed the UAE's support for the Egyptian people and its choices for determining their national requirements and aspirations. He said that that the UAE's support for Egypt stems from its Arab national affiliation and its own national and humanitarian policy which is based on peace, security, tolerance and love, as well as its policy of promoting cooperation and a rejection of division and violence, so as to establish stability and implement development and prosperity for all peoples. He emphasised that the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in this regard are clear and stipulate that support should be provided to Egypt and its people, supporting efforts to preserve its security and stability and to harness all the capabilities to stimulate its economy. This emanates from Sheikh Khalifa's belief that a strong and stable Egypt adds strength to, and is a pillar of, the renaissance of the Arab Nation and the Islamic Nation. President Mansour and the Egyptian Prime Minister, Dr. Hazem El Beblawi both visited Abu Dhabi in late October to discuss collaboration and to conclude further agreements. These included the financing of food storage facilities, health care clinics and 50,000 housing units. Dr. El Beblawi commented "On behalf of the Egyptian people, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the UAE leadership, government and its people. The special and brotherly relationship between our two nations dates back over four decades and has continued to flourish and produce benefits for both nations throughout the years." Elsewhere in the region, the continuing failure to reach a just settlement to the Palestinian issue was a matter for concern. Welcoming the resumption of US-sponsored talks between Israel and the Palestinians, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah told the United Nations General Assembly in September that: "All observers are aware of the interconnected nature of the issues of the Arab region, where peace emerges as a central and relevant issue to all that is happening there. Many decades have passed and the Palestinian people still look forward to realising their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with its capital Al Quds Al Shareef, (Jerusalem), based on international legal instruments which recognised their right to establish a state according to the borders of June 1967, as confirmed in the resolutions of the United Nations, and in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative. In this connection, I wish to take this opportunity to welcome the re-launching of peace talks under the auspices of the United States of America, and we hope that these talks will lead to positive results towards the establishment of a Palestinian state." "We also welcome the constructive position of the European Union for its non-recognition of the legitimacy of the Israeli settlements and for ceasing dealings with them. The UAE is ready to contribute to a successful outcome of this new initiative to achieve security, peace and economic growth in this important part of the world." "Security and stability in the Gulf region represent a high priority in our balanced policy, which derives its principles from the Charter of the United Nations and the provisions of international law, especially those calling for peaceful coexistence, confidence-building, good neighbourliness, mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs of the State, and pursuing peaceful means in resolving conflicts and disputes. "On the basis of these principles, my Government expresses, once again, its regret regarding the continued Iranian occupation of our three islands of Abu Musa, and Greater and Lesser Tunbs, and demands the restoration of the UAE's full sovereignty over these islands. We emphasise that all actions and measures taken by the Iranian occupation authorities are null and void, and are contrary to international law and to all norms and common human values. Therefore, we call upon the international community to urge Iran to respond to the repeated peaceful, sincere calls of the United Arab Emirates for a just settlement of this issue, either through direct, serious negotiations or by referral to the International Court of Justice to settle this dispute in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and the provisions of international law. Proceeding from the firm principals of our regional and international relations, we welcome the declared approach of Hassan Rouhani, President of Iran, and we affirm that our country will sincerely build on such approach in the interest of promoting security, stability and prosperity in the region." More generally, the UAE has continued its firm commitment to the international drive to eradicate terrorism, as well as the interlinked phenomena of illicit trafficking in drugs and arms and organised crime, As part of this, the new Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism, Hidaya, established in Abu Dhabi with the support of a number of friendly nations and other players, commenced its work at the end of 2012. "Terrorism poses a challenge to international peace and security and leads to violating the human rights of ordinary people by depriving them of living in peace and prosperity," Sheikh Abdullah told the United Nations. Another wide-ranging issue, yet one of great importance for the global community, is that of nuclear proliferation. Sheikh Abdullah noted in his September speech that "We urge Iran to constructively cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in order to dispel all suspicions surrounding its activities in a transparent and clear manner and to avoid any negative consequences arising from the absence of such cooperation." "The UAE," he noted, "believes that peaceful use of nuclear energy has become an urgent requirement in order to meet the growing demand for energy. We are proud to have a successful pioneering experience in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, which is surrounded with all guarantees of security and safety. The UAE also opened the way for the production of renewable energy and development of clean energy techniques as a contribution on its part to humanity towards protecting the planet from the negative effects of climate change." In November, Sheikh Abdullah held a joint press conference with the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, in Abu Dhabi at which the subject of Iran s nuclear ambitions were discussed. Referring to the strength of the relationship between the UAE and the USA, Sheikh Abdullah said that they were, "in their best shape ever," calling Kerry s visit "the best proof of the strength of our relationship". Kerry reiterated the bond of the US s strategic partnership with the UAE, reinforcing earlier comments that "the U.S. will not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon and this is a policy to which we are committed." He added that the U.S. will defend its allies in the region against any threat and will not undermine its strong ties with Arab allies while engaging in talks with Iran. At home, the UAE s own internationally-monitored nuclear power programme made progress in 2013, as construction of its first reactor at Barakah, in Abu Dhabi s Western (Al Gharbia) Region, continued. The United Arab Emirates has made a practice, since its establishment in 1971, of providing assistance to those in need because of conflicts and natural disasters. Through the UAE Red Crescent Authority and a number of other bodies, including the humanitarian funds established by the President and Vice President, emergency assistance worth several hundred million dollars has been sent during the year to many countries, besides the refugees from the Syrian conflict, mentioned above. Other aid has been provided by bodies such as the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Dubai Cares to support development programmes, both in terms of infrastructure and the financing of educational and health care programmes. In November, Emirates Humanitarian Work Day was celebrated, its timing being chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the death of the late Sheikh Zayed. In a statement on the occasion, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa took the opportunity to praise the culture of volunteerism and generosity inherent in Emirati society, calling the UAE "a state of giving, peace and security." "We value the government and private humanitarian initiatives which swept across the country in response to the Federal Cabinet resolution to dedicate the anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed as a celebration of the Emirates Humanitarian Work Day in remembrance of his humanitarian and charitable initiatives and works which inspire the UAE people and community organisations to donate generously in support of the needy and vulnerable segments, both within the UAE and abroad," Sheikh Khalifa said. He identified initiatives like the Dress One Million Needy Children across the world campaign, provision of essential needs of needy families, sponsorship of orphans, releasing indebted prisoners and other campaigns targeting education, health, children and family as well as other social and educative fields as being suitable for support. Recipients of aid from these and many other sources from within the UAE include Pakistan, India and Nepal, Kenya, Morocco, Guinea and nations across the Horn of Africa, Afghanistan, Palestine, Malaysia, Jordan and many aid and education projects overseen by the UN. The UAE is ranked 20th among the world's most generous donors, when the country's development assistance is measured according to its Gross National Income (GNI), and 2nd among countries that are not members of the OECD's Development Assistance Committee (DAC) in 2011, according to the data published by the committee in January 2013. By this measure, the UAE is ranked above some of the world's most prominent donor countries, including the United States, Italy and Japan. Grants and loans from the Abu Dhabi Fund, together with Government aid administered by the Fund, have now reached over Dh 58 billion (US$15.79 billion) since the Fund was established in 1971, with a total of 62 recipient countries. Since January s US$300 million donation for the benefit of displaced Syrian refugees, the UAE has become one of the world s most committed suppliers of aid to the stricken country. The UAE Red Crescent Authority s fund-raising campaigns have contributed hundreds of millions of dollars worth of food and shelter, while other fund-raisers provide a constant supply of aid packages, medicines and educational supplies to refugees both inside and outside of the country. Meanwhile, the UAE is exerting utmost efforts to strengthen international resolve to eradicate polio among Syrian children, with the Red Crescent Authority sponsoring the immunisation of 1.6 million Syrian children in co-ordination with UNICEF. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, donated Dhs440 million in support of the international efforts to eradicate polio by 2018. As recently as November this year, the UAE responded rapidly to the crisis in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Huiyan, when President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed provided immediate funds of US$10 million to ease the suffering of the people. Through these and other initiatives, the United Arab Emirates seeks to communicate its own values and beliefs to other countries and communities around the globe. This process often involves direct bilateral engagement with other governments or a focus on particular communities in need of assistance and, by their very nature, such activity is often little noticed beyond areas particularly concerned. The UAE also seeks to reach out to a larger number of people through its participation in a wide range of international exhibitions, of which perhaps the regular EXPO series is the most important. Following the success of its prize-winning pavilions at the Shanghai EXPO in 2010 and the 2012 EXPO in Yeosu, South Korea, with its pavilion, visited by several hundred thousand people, again winning prizes, the whole country eagerly awaited a decision in late November 2013 on whether a bid from Dubai to host the 2020 EXPO would be successful. It would be the first EXPO held anywhere in a region that extends from Morocco, on the Atlantic Ocean, to India. On November 27th, Dubai won the bid to host the World Expo 2020. News of the success was announced at the Bureau International des Expositions General Assembly Meeting in Paris. The winning delegation was joined in Paris by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who told the assembled audience, "Today we are joined by 10 Federal Ministers and we deliver to you the strongest field we can." Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State and Managing Director of the Higher Committee for Hosting World Expo 2020, also addressed the delegates, pledging the UAE s "assets, skills, and expertise to give Expo 2020 the weight and recognition it deserves." "My generation has been inspired by our forefathers, by their courage to take the road less travelled, to open our communities to the world, to focus on education and human development. They have entrusted us with a city that is capable of working with the world and hosting the world, recognised as a model of openness and stability, a place that millions of young people in our neighbourhood and beyond see as a beacon of hope and opportunity." Al Hashimi reiterated, "It is now our turn to hand over this legacy and these values to the next generation, we pledge our assets, skills and expertise to give Expo 2020 the weight and recognition it deserves." During 2013, the UAE has faced numerous challenges. Internally, the requirement for ever-improved services and facilities to be provided to the country s population has demanded an enormous amount both of investment and of political commitment. At the same time, there has been the need to guide the UAE s own economy through the accelerating process of recovery from the impact of the 2008 setbacks. Externally, the political and security situation within the Gulf and wider Middle East region has continued to require a steady hand on the tiller of the ship of state. It is to the credit of the country s leaders, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, that, as the year draws to a close, the United Arab Emirates and its people can look back on another twelve months of progress and achievement.