Dubai, 2nd Dec. 2008 -- The UAE has reached another proud landmark today. We have a country that we can all be proud of; a young nation that has achieved and accomplished so much in a remarkably short span of time that it is a source of inspiration and emulation to everyone in the region and the world, the UAE press commented today.

According to the media, there is no doubt, the UAE will continue its march of development and prosperity under the wise leadeship of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Rulers of the Emirates.

The newspapers said as the UAE celebrates its 37th National Day or day of its formation, the country stands on a high pedestal, far ahead of some of the Arab nations when it comes to economic growth, social welfare and its performance on education and development fronts.

''Even though the country has witnessed some adverse effects of the global economic meltdown, the UAE has largely managed to protect itself from the devastation and mayhem being experienced by the rest of the world. This is without doubt the result of years of hard work and bold political and economic policies of the country's leadership, '' wrote the Khaleej Times in its daily editorial.

''It's this vision that is largely responsible for the economic and political stability of the country in a region that is not the most stable in the world. The UAE nationals and the expatriates co-exist in harmony, in one of the safest and most secure places in the world something which comes at a premium elsewhere.

And there are few places like the UAE anywhere in the world. Despite its tiny size and limited human resources, the country is a big player on the world stage.

''And after the amazing progress the country has made over the past 36 years, it has every right to celebrate its 37th National Day with pride. In months and years ahead, the country is expected to press forward with a broad based agenda, built around diversification and enhancing the role of the private sector in national growth.

''Abu Dhabi and Dubai will remain at the forefront of most of this amazing economic revolution. With the development of world class tourism opportunities and the region attracting big players in all fields from around the world, doubtless there are more exciting times ahead for the UAE. Get ready for the ride!,''the Khaleej Times concluded.

Commenting on the spectacular occasion, The Gulf Today said :'' It is with great pride and immense happiness that the United Arab Emirates is celebrating its 37th National Day today.

''The progress in different fields that the country has achieved as a federation of seven emirates in a short span of time, reflects the farsightedness, ability and togetherness of the great Rulers of the Emirates.

''First to be remembered at this auspicious occasion is the country's founding fathers, Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Late Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who took the historic decision this day to establish the UAE Federation. It's a matter of great joy that President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, truly following in the footsteps of their great fathers, are working together earnestly with the prime aim of making the country self-sufficient and a secure living place for its people.

''All the development projects across the country show the genuine interest of the great leadership in the welfare of the people. No wonder the per capita income in the country in 2007 marked Dhs167,000, which was Dhs 81,000 in 2000 -- double in seven years. It has the second GDP among Arab states.

''The amount of money spent on educational projects in the country is one of the most appreciable matters. The government's efforts to eradicate illiteracy from the country is highly commendable. It is not a mean achievement that 57 per cent illiteracy in the country in 1975 was reduced to eight per cent in 2008. There was a 7.3 per cent increase in the number of students in schools in the academic year 2006-2007, which is one of the highest growth rates in the world. The UAE's life expectancy is now 78.5 years. It shows the country's high quality health care system.

''The government's insistence in providing the country's women with quality education and empowering them has considerably increased their participation in different fields, including decision making level. The UAE women are now working as ministers, judges and ambassadors. There are even investors among them. Above all, 23 per cent of the Federal National Council's members are women. Women also account for 66 per cent of jobs in government departments. They also top among higher education students with 77 per cent.

''The government's invest-friendly approach made the UAE a favourite destination of investors from all over the world. Transparency International ranks the UAE first among other Arab countries in combating corruption. Well known universities have opened their full-fledged campuses here making the country a much sought-after education hub. State-of-the-art shopping facilities in the country make it the world's shopping centre.

''Above all, the UAE is in the forefront when it comes to charity and humanitarian relief to the needy across the world. The country's remarkable security system makes the life safe and peaceful here for all the residents, who includes people from nearly 200 countries. (WAM/TF)