UAE ambassador celebrates National Day, highlights progress with Korea

UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi delivers a speech during the 53rd National Day event in Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked its 53rd National Day with a grand event in Seoul on Monday, where UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi celebrated the nation's formation as a federation on Dec. 2, 1971.

"We are here this evening to celebrate the 53rd Eid Al Etihad (Day of the Union) of the United Arab Emirates," began Al Nuaimi. "The event marks the establishment of the UAE as a united federation on the second of December 1971. On that day, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was elected the first UAE president and the UAE national flag was officially raised in all parts of the country."

The ambassador reflected on the UAE's accomplishments, highlighting significant progress both locally and globally. These achievements include support and diversification of the national economy and advancements in key sectors such as technology, space, clean energy and culture.

The ambassador also discussed its "We the UAE 2031" vision, launched in November 2022, which aims to guide the UAE's development for the next decade.

"Through this vision, the UAE aims to strengthen its position as an attractive and influential economic center. It also seeks to be a global hub for sustainable development and innovation," he explained.

"The UAE is also a living example of tolerance, coexistence and multiculturalism. Coexistence is a fundamental pillar in the fabric of Emirati society. More than 200 nationalities from all over the world live in harmony in the UAE despite the diversity of their cultures."

He proudly mentioned the UAE's improved ranking in the Global Soft Power Index, entering the list of the top 10 countries in 2022.

Focusing on the UAE's relationship with Korea, Al Nuaimi remarked, "In its ties with the global community, the UAE seeks to build strategic partnerships with other countries that are beneficial to both sides."

He pointed out the significant progress in bilateral ties, mentioning high-level mechanisms and exchanges to strengthen the two's "special strategic partnership."

"During the state visit of His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol to the UAE in January 2023, the leaders of the two countries agreed to elevate this partnership to its highest level," Al Nuaimi said. "The recent state visit by our President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Seoul has played a significant role in expanding the areas of cooperation between the two sides."

As the event concluded, Al Nuaimi expressed his gratitude to those who contributed to the strengthening of UAE-Korea relations.

"As we celebrate the achievements made by UAE on this national occasion, we look forward to expanding the diversified partnerships between our two countries. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to those who contributed to the strengthening of the relations between the UAE and the Republic of Korea," he said.