Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the leading national entity for development aid, celebrated the 46th UAE National Day with a host of cultural activities that reflected the country's rich values and heritage.
Several national entities joined ADFD's celebrations, including Emirates Post Group, National Archives, Emirates National Schools, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, Emirates Heritage Club and Dar Zayed for Family Care.
As part of the celebrations, the winner of the best flag picture contest - a month-long internal competition running since Flag Day festivities on 2 November - was announced. Sporting the UAE flag colours, ADFD employees and guests toured kiosks showcasing vintage UAE postage stamps and vignettes from the life of the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
On the occasion, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, congratulated the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and members of the Federal Supreme Council.
His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi said: "The National Day serves as a reminder of the tremendous progress the UAE has achieved under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. On this special day, let us honour our beloved nation and celebrate the values the UAE was built on. Let us also pledge to continue working relentlessly to achieve the ambitious vision of the UAE leadership."
He added: "We are proud to carry forward the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan through supporting projects that drive socio-economic growth in developing countries. I am pleased to note that in the four-and-a-half decades since ADFD's inception, the Fund has succeeded in expanding its reach and resources year on year, and provided AED80 billion of sustainable aid to beneficiary countries, helping to alleviate global poverty."
Established in 1971, ADFD celebrated its 46thanniversary on 15 July 2017.
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