Dubai, 3rd Dec. 2008 -- The UAE press lauded today the UAE development model as an incredible The papers said the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reiterated in his message to the nationthe cherished dreams of raising a progressive society, and making it more democratic and development-oriented.

The papers added that the President's statement encompassed measures that ensure the stability of the country as much as offer a general roadmap to the future and identified key points about the areas the country needs to focus on.

''The United Arab Emirates is an incredible success story that is unparalleled in recent history and as the nation celebrates its 37th National Day, the country and its citizens have a lot to be proud of,'' according to a comment published today in Khaleej Times.

''A booming economy, largely unaffected by global economic recession, rock solid investments in infrastructure and an astute and pragmatic leadership are the strengths of this great country. And, moreover, its tourist-friendly policies and culturally adaptable environment make it a great place to be and do business in for the world at large,''the Dubai-based paper said.

''In his message to the nation, The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reiterated the cherished dreams of raising a progressive society, and making it more democratic and development-oriented.

''As the Year 2008 was marked as a ?Year of National Identity', the leadership has called upon the Emiratis and residents to synergise their energies in attaining new heights of excellence. It goes without saying that the invaluable assets of this country are its openness, tolerance and demographic diversity, and it is indeed a role model for many young nations of the world.

''Shaikh Khalifa by eulogising the services of nationals and expats alike has chartered a roadmap for empowering the people. As UAE excels, it is at the same time a tribute to the founding fathers of this young federation, which has done so incredibly well in such a short time. Making an opportunity out of the global economic disaster, the UAE leadership has come out with a strategy of its own and has led from the front.

''With its eyes on bigger goals in times to come, the country is set to rise to greater heights of excellence, the Khaleej Times concluded.

Commenting under the title ''Safeguard past feats for better future'', the Gulf News said :''It is a fact that in order for the UAE to forge ahead as a unified federation, past achievements would have to be safeguarded.

But, it noted, what is more important is that what the country has worked for all these years is preserved. And the best means of achieving this is with a thorough inward look
- one that assists in development for the future.

''The statement given by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion of the UAE's 37th National Day encompasses measures that ensure the stability of the country as much as offer a general roadmap to the future. Shaikh Khalifa identified key points about the areas the country needs to focus on.

''National identity is one key issue that Shaikh Khalifa identified as being key to the UAE; yet one that should not be narrowly confined to certain areas when discussed. Shaikh Khalifa has rightly pointed out that the most important aspect is "to work on developing national abilities within an overall vision where government efforts shown through all its institutions and processes work with the movement of the society".

''Hence, this means that Emiratis are empowered to become enabled members of society as they are provided with all the necessary tools for building communities positively and productively. This is a task that focuses on human development, training and education with greater emphasis on empowering women. This is because "of our belief in the importance of building an active relationship between the poles of our political entity and our social pyramid," Shaikh Khalifa said.

''What the UAE today requires, said Shaikh Khalifa, is a continuous modernisation of laws, processes and methods to better deal with obstacles and pursue goals, which requires a greater public participation in the developmental process - a step that would ensure its future. (WAM/TF)