By Suleiman Redha
DUBAI, Dec 2 (KUNA) -- People in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are marking Saturday the 46th National Day in an atmosphere that celebrates the huge leaps achieved by the Gulf nation under the guidelines of its wise and visionary leadership.
On February 10, 1972, the seven Emirates that constitute the country united under one banner to walk together forward into a bright and promising future.
During the reign of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Vice President, Prime Minister, and Governor of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al-Maktoum, the major Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai had transformed into international hubs for business and tourism. The UAE's non-oil exports had also increased to USD 167 billion in 2016.
Aside from the national achievements, the UAE had distinguished relations with fellow GCC countries namely Kuwait with ties dating before the independence of the Emirates in the 1950s and 1960s.
The relations were tested in 1990, when Iraq invaded Kuwait and as it was expected, the UAE strongly condemned the heinous act and even hosted thousands of Kuwaiti families during their darkest days.
The Emirates had a crucial part in the operations, which led to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. (end) smr.gta