WAM Dubai: Members of the Supreme Council and rulers of emirates on Monday marked the 37th National Day anniversary of the UAE.

In a statement to Dira Al Watan magazine, they said "the 37th national day anniversary revives and rekindles the will and strength of the federation in the face of challenges and difficulties. The event evokes the stance taken by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, rulers of different emirates, to declare the UAE federation on December 2, 1971."

The rulers applauded the decision taken by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to make the 37th national day anniversary and 2008 as a year for national identity, adding that the UAE derives its strength, solidarity and true spirit from the federation.

Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah, underlined that "what was achieved by the UAE since the inception of the federation in 1971 is a pride to the UAE citizens."

He called on the UAE national youth to acquire genuine skills and good education to keep abreast with the economic boom being witnessed by the UAE.

Shaikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council member and ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, hailed the declaration of the federation by the late Shaikh Zayed as “heroic and historic.”

"The UAE is our mother and existence. We have to work with team's spirit and self denial to serve the country and safeguard our unity and stability," he said.

Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, UAE Supreme Council Member and ruler of Fujairah, said that the progress "we enjoy today in all fields, is an accomplished feat commenced by the UAE founder the late Shaikh Zayed, a course followed by Shaikh Khalifa."

Shaikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla, UAE Supreme Council Member and ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, said the 37th national day anniversary "evokes the past and opens avenues to the future".

"Let's take Shaikh Khalifa's call as a roadmap for our youth, the backbone of this country's future. Our heritage embodies values, which inspired our forefathers in the past to build the civilisation upon which the contemporary world civilisation was built," he added.

Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and ruler of Ajman, said that "talking about the federation is great as it is linked with the late Shaikh Zayed. Today we pledge once more to remain united and continue the development process under the leadership of Shaikh Khalifa."