UAE confident in Khalifa's leadership

After the passing of President Sheikh Zayed on Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is keen to send a message to the world that the oil-rich country will remain stable on all fronts under the leadership of new President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

Top officials voiced confidence in the new leadership, saying the unanimous election of President Khalifa would usher the UAE into a new era.

Government officials said the UAE would easily cope with the economic challenges ahead under the new president, who was expected to play a key role in building a strong national economy.

"Sheikh Khalifa will continue to lead the country forward in its rapid march towards balanced economic development and will implement the plans and strategies laid out by his late father," they said.

Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, executive chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corp, said the development and modernization of the UAE would continue under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa. "Under his leadership, I am sure that the UAE will continue to grow and develop. With the quick and timely election of Khalifa as president of the UAE, the federation's leadership has demonstrated its willingness and determination to continue the development activities initiated by late President Sheikh Zayed."

"During the last 33 years, we have achieved progress and prosperity to a great degree and under the new president, I am sure we will continue to grow," Bin Sulayem added.

Assistant Undersecretary for Revenue and Budget in the Ministry of Finance and Industry Khalid Ali al-Bustani said Khalifa would follow the path that the late president took in creating a well-diversified economy that grew at a robust pace from year to year.

   "Khalifa has been involved in several pioneering projects and we can be certain that industrialization, economic reforms and privatization will gain greater attention," said Hussain al-Nowais, a board member of Abu Dhabi's Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"Sheikh Khalifa has serviced long as president of the Supreme Petroleum Council and is experienced in leading Abu Dhabi in the development of its rich oil and gas resources. We anticipate he will provide great leadership as in the past and we expect the oil and gas sector to grow," said Bud Fackrell, general manager of the Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company.

Mohammad al-Qubaisi, chairman of Finance House, said the country was seeing a generational change and the new leadership would take forward the same success of the past.

"We feel the new leader is very progressive in his thinking and policies," said Mohammad Rashid al-Mohanadi, undersecretary in the Department of Civil Aviation, Abu Dhabi.

Indian-born J.R. Gangaramani, managing director of Al Fara'a Construction in Al Ain, who has been living in the country for the last three decades, said Sheikh Khalifa had been following the footsteps of his late father since young and was consequently well trained, very capable and had a clear vision.

Sheikh Khalifa, on his own part, expressed appreciation for the trust by his colleagues and brothers, saying he was determined to continue to adhere to and work in accordance with the guidelines laid down by his father, the founder of the UAE federation. The new president also vowed to work in cooperation and coordination with his colleagues, the members of the Supreme Council, so as to carry on the progress of the federation and safeguard its stability and prosperity as well as the welfare of its people.

Sheik Khalifa, born in 1948 in the oasis of Al-Ain, is the eldest son of late President Sheik Zayed, who died Tuesday evening at the age of 86 after a long illness.

Khalifa has been ruler of Abu Dubai, the richest emirate of the UAE, for the past over 30 years.

He has also been intimately involved in the government of the seven-emirate federation since its formation in 1971, carrying posts including deputy prime minister and deputy commander of the UAE armed forces.

Source: Xinhua