“United in Responsibility” Theme Unites Citizens who Share Love for the Country

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, July 2nd 2014 [ME NewsWire]

Speakers: Preserving the Social Fabric Promotes the Responsibility of Building the Future

United in Responsibility: “Our Responsibility towards the Country” was the topic of discussion of the Ramadan Council organized by the Ministry of Interior in “Al Bateen Council”. The council witnessed a wide participation of citizens from different sectors of society, sharing love for the country and gratitude to the higher leadership. Participants at the council expressed feelings of pride for the nationwide renaissance and progress witnessed by all sectors of the country, which has outranked other countries in ensuring the wellbeing and prosperity of its citizens, who were found to be at the forefront of the happiest people of the world.

Citizens discussed the aspects of cohesion between Emiratis and the deep enduring family ties, and preserving the social fabric in general. They all agreed that Emiratis are ambitious and responsible people, with a substantial high sense of responsibility who understand the need to carve out their future with confidence, and actively engage in an evolving socio-economic environment, to ensure the sustainability of the vital social structure, drawing on a solid well-knit family, social cohesion, moderate Islamic values and deep-rooted national heritage.

The council was attended by His Excellency Jaber Mohammed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, the General Director of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, Vice Chairman Family Development Foundation (FDF) Board of Trustees , in addition to a number of officials and a large crowd of citizens. Participants at the council dedicated significant time to discuss topics related to thriving cohesive families, vital and strong social bonds, trust and confidence of Emiratis, the vibrant culture, and the life of fathers and forefathers in the glorious past.

Significant Attention

Lt. Colonel Dr. Salah Obeid Al Ghoul, Director of the Law Respect Culture Office at the General Secretariat of the Office of H.H Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior indicated that the Ramadan Councils organized by the ministry enjoy the support and attention  of the police leadership, out of its keenness to leverage citizens’ ideas and suggestions. “The MoI aims at benefitting from community members’ proposals as they meet to discuss different topics of interest to them and to reach recommendations that contribute to supporting institutions at the countrywide level, in a way that enables them to develop and improve services provided to the community,” he said.

He noted that the Ramadan Councils program includes more than 35 different topics that are aligned with the UAE Vision 2021, which consists of four main elements: “An ambitious and confident nation grounded in its heritage”, “A strong union bonded by a common destiny”, “A competitive economy driven by knowledgeable and innovative Emiratis”, and “A nurturing and sustainable environment for quality living”. He also indicated that these elements are included in  the theme discussed by this Council ‘Our responsibility towards our country’, so as to enhance and support our responsibilities and to come up with recommendations to be assigned to  a specific work team that will be formed to this end, due to their significant importance.

This vision aims at empowering both the country and citizens by reinforcing  the national identity, the spirit of confidence, and the sense of responsibility; building stable families and coherent society that is based on Islamic and Arabic authentic values; strengthening security, integration and balanced development; building a diversified knowledgeable economy that will be powered by the best competencies to ensure long-term prosperity for the UAE; developing high quality educational and health systems ; and maintaining a sustainable environment that ensures prosperity for future generations.

Moreover, Lt. Colonel Al Ghoul pointed out that Al Bateen Council is one of the councils to which the leadership dedicates the utmost attention and where citizens share their patriotism and discuss their responsibilities in the service of their country with a view to protect the national gains that have been made throughout the country’s glorious journey of construction and giving. He added that the recommendations issued by Ramadan councils organized by the Ministry of Interior last year amounted to 40 recommendations, many of which have been implemented by the ministry while others have been sent to other concerned authorities.

Furthermore, the council gave an overview of the past era and the various stages of the country’s establishment set by HH late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the Federation. Parents and forefathers talked about the past, the simple life, and how they used to bear responsibilities and face challenges; shedding light on the several stages of the country’s history down to its development and excellent results it attained in the overall national Renaissance and achievements made in all areas.

Journalist Osama Al Amiri had led the discussion between participants in the council. He said: “The council represents an approach adopted by the government, through the Ministry of Interior, to collect the views and ideas of citizens. These ideas will contribute to bring forth recommendations to which the Ministry of Interior dedicates top priority within its strategy and its keenness to implement all proposals related to enhancing its services. Law Respect is part of the citizens’ culture; and the idea of organizing Ramadan councils by the Law Respect Culture Bureau for the second consecutive year at the countrywide level was highly praised and welcomed by both hosts and participants at these councils, who came up with a set of important recommendations to the government”.

“The Al Bateen council is well known for its valuable initiatives and is the perfect place to raise and discuss topics such as our responsibility towards our country, the UAE family cohesion, and how to reinforce the bonds in society and enhance interaction among citizens,” he added.

Sharing Responsibility

Speakers also tackled the issue of responsibility in the service of the country and the means to reinforce it, by shedding light on the role played by each individual from his/her position of responsibility. This topic was highly acclaimed by participants who engaged in the discussion with respect to the roles and responsibilities of individuals in the service of the country, and how they contribute to achieve the national agenda for the UAE vision 2021. The vision, which was recently launched, aims at achieving the world’s Top 10 in GDP per capita income, increase the foreign direct investment to 5% of GDP, and achieve first position in the ‘ease of doing business’ index and to rank among the top 10 countries in the Global Competitiveness Index. Attendees also discussed the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program and how it contributes to reinforce national responsibility.

H.E.Sheikh Salem balRakkad Al Ameri, member of the Federal National Council, noted that the Ramadan councils organized by the Ministry of Interior across the UAE are a role model for all councils. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the ministry for this initiative that enhances communication between citizens and engage them in submitting ideas and opinions that reinforce the sense of responsibility. Al Ameri then tackled the social responsibility spirit that prevailed even before the establishment of the UAE, its forms and models, pointing out that people used to flock from different regions of the country to fish and pearl in the rich sea, which constituted a form of employment and a source of livelihood for people, who were warmly received by their brothers. He added that this contributed to establishing social cohesion and solidarity between people of all walks of life.

Adding further, Al Ameri said: "We have learned to bear our responsibility towards the country from our higher leadership. They have inspired us to adopt this approach and inculcate it to children in early stages of their life, through good education and by acquainting them with the country’s traditions and customs, based on social traditions, as well as the teachings of Islam and its spiritual and cultural values that call for social cohesion and solidarity".

HE Dherar Belhoul Al falasi, General Director of the Watani Al Emarat Institution, spoke about the stereotypical image of the Emiratis' social life and how it  influences the new generations. He underscored the extent of harmony and solid ties between community members, citing a US survey, which highlights the most important reasons behind the Emirati society’s harmony and cooperation. He said that the report revealed that this is due to the keenness of the UAE leadership to meet the needs of Emiratis and provide a decent high quality life for all community members, who return the feelings of mutual love and respect.

For his part, Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi noted that the strong and well-knit relation between Emiratis and their leadership boosts the progress and development process. He regarded these ties as a family-like relation based on values, traditions and customs. In conclusion, he said that interaction between citizens is historic and eternal bond, based on mutual respect.

A Glorious Past

Citizen Khalifa Al Suwaidi said that the people of Abu Dhabi have long relied on the sea for pearling, fishing and trade as source of livelihood. They used to live in perfect harmony, and social solidarity; working together as a one family and meeting regularly in a warm and hospitable atmosphere conducive to social cohesion. Citizen Rashid bin Khadem Al Muhairi agreed with him, noting that citizens’ way of life in the past was filled with love, and a sense of brotherly ties and cooperation. People used to support each other in all areas of work, such as house and boat building.

Citizen Sinan Al Muhairi praised the cooperation of citizens to support families whose provider is forced to look for a source of livelihood elsewhere. “They used to share in each other’s joyful or painful social events,” added Citizen Al Muhairi, stressing their keenness to preserve social cohesion through constant communication and visits that reinforce harmony and social ties. On the same note, Citizen Hilal Mohammed Al Muhairi spoke about the life of Abu Dhabi citizens in the past and the activities they carried out for a living, such as pearl diving.

Citizen Sultan Rashed Al Muhairi praised the Ministry of Interior’s Ramadan Council in Al Bateen as a way to remind attendees and the young generation of the past life of their forefathers and how they managed to overcome difficulties throughout the various stages of their life. This would encourage today’s generations to assume their responsibilities towards the country, and get acquainted with the UAE’s authentic heritage and traditions, in order to support it and work as a team. It would also shed light on the efforts exerted by community members to support families with no provider, and to share their joys and sorrows.

MoI’s Efforts

Dr. Mohammed Mattar Al Kaabi, Director General of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments noted that the Ramadan Councils organized by the Ministry of Interior personify its efforts to communicate with the community. “They also contribute to reinforce the foundations of love for the country, set by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and to achieve the hopes of citizens of leading a well-rounded and prosperous life, following the hardships they managed to overcome through solidarity and cohesion,” said Al Kaabi. Moreover, he pointed out that providing necessities of life and high quality services, as well as the overall development witnessed by the country was the result of the diligent efforts made by the country’s leaders who followed in the footsteps of late Sheikh Zayed, the Union maker.  “Such councils reunite people of all ages and walks of life. They reinforce spontaneous sincere loyalty, which has been inspired by the wise leadership, and instill respect for the customs and traditions of society that promote love for the country,” concluded Al Kaabi.

For his part, Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim expressed his deep appreciation to  people who came from across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to share their thoughts and opinions on the topic of “Our responsibility towards the country”. He said: “The citizens of Abu Dhabi have endured hardships but they managed to overcome the challenges through dedication and hard work. This is the result of cohesion and social solidarity, which is an inherent feature of our society.”

Atiq bin Saif Al Suwaidi indicated that young people are the backbone of the future. “We must provide the youth with advice and guidance to engage them in the Renaissance and development process. Taking care of the youth is a crucial pillar in the building and development process,” he added.

Lt. Col. Dr. Ahmed Al Khuzaimi, Director of the Officers Training Institute at the Police College, stressed that the people of the UAE have a deep-rooted love for their bountiful land despite the hardships they faced. They have managed to preserve the social values of communication, interaction and family cohesion.

Lt. AbdulRahman Mohammed Sharaf, of the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program “Aqdar”, proposed to invite students to attend such councils. “These councils help to instill the customs and traditions of our society in students, and acquaint them with the lifestyles of their fathers and grandparents in the past,” he noted. Moreover, Sharaf pointed out that the idea of the program came as a response to  the initiative of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior, to prepare a national student awareness-raising program. “The program would cover all stages of education and address issues affecting students. All government, civil and private institutions would take part in this program, by coordinating with their existing awareness programs, and exchanging and promoting experiences so as to achieve the UAE vision 2021,” he concluded.

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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com

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