His Excellency Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), stressed that UAE Flag Day is a national occasion embodies the great history and prosperous march of the UAE in its best. He added that this occasion enhances the values of love, cohesion and unity enjoyed by the sons and daughters of the homeland, which encourages them to push their nation to the peaks of glory and pride under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God save and bless him.

Al Ameri pointed out that the UAE flag is a symbol of unity, strength and harmony among the people of our homeland. As this year's UAE Flag Day coincides with the 13th anniversary of his death, Al Ameri added that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God have mercy upon him), the founding father of the UAE, had laid the pillars and foundations of this harmony, which made the emirates a role model in development, progress and giving.

"The flag-hoisting for the declaration of Union in 1971 was not a transitory or ordinary event, but it was a historical turning point in the region. It was a new era of renaissance and empowerment, in which the arms of UAE's sons gathered to build their homeland under one flag. They love it from the bottom of their hearts, thus they are ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of this flag to keep it high in the fields of glory. Furthermore, it is a symbol of greatness, unity and prosperity. The UAE's flag also indicates the cultural and human renaissance experienced by the UAE," said H.E.Saeed Al Ameri.

"The noble and highbred values as well as deep-rooted and sublime meanings carried by the Union's flag make it a true source of pride and glory for every UAE person, and a land of affection and respect for all peoples of the world. It is no wonder at all, because that flag is the slogan of the generous Emirates whose affection and generosity overflows all humanity, and its white hands disseminates light and peace all over the globe without discrimination as to race, color or religion," Al Ameri stated.

H.E. Saeed Al Ameri added: "On this auspicious occasion, we are recalling the heroism of our righteous and brave martyrs, who sacrifice their lives for the sake of God and the homeland, and bravely fought to keep the flag of their homeland fluttering in the fields of manhood and sacrifice. Their pure blood has charted lines of greatness, glory, and pride in the prestigious history of our beloved homeland."

"The UAE's martyrs have been a source of courage and honor, from which we derive the determination and persistence to protect the security and wealth of our nation. They are role model for the coming generations to be followed in the love of nation, deepening the concept and values of national identity in their hearts, and promoting spirit of loyalty in their souls," he continued.

He pointed out that UAE managed to consolidate its political, economic and social position, regionally and globally, adding that the state has become one of the major developed and civilized countries competing for first positions in various fields of excellence.

"The prosperity experienced by the country is due to "the seed" planted by Sheikh Zayed, may God have mercy upon him, in the wilderness of the desert. Therefore, we harvested it as a solid and cohesive unity, hearts love each other and united under one flag. We harvested this seed as an ambitious and modern state that does not know the impossible and does not believe in obstacles and challenges," he added.

"On this happy occasion, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. We reaffirm our determination to move forward towards achieving the aspirations of the wise leadership in providing all means of prosperity and happiness to citizens and residents on the land of our beloved country," His Excellency Saeed Al Ameri stated.

"We are renewing our determination to achieve more national achievements that stand in line with the high prestige of the UAE on the Arab and international levels, taking into consideration the wise steps of our leadership, which believes that preparing and empowering human are the foundation of all development and progress in any community. In addition, we are taking the guidance of our wise government in mind in all of our plans and programmes, through which we aim to achieve prosperity for our citizens," H.E. Al Ameri concluded.