“Saudi Arabia is the pillar of the Gulf and Arab community. Its security and stability makes the UAE’s security and stability,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The deep ties between two countries and nations are so well captured.
Historic ties are at the root of the ties between the leadership and people of two fellow countries. But the blood sacrifices of two nations, which have joined forces defending principles, virtue and justice on the fellow country of Yemen, nourish and enrich these fraternal ties.
The deep ties that bind Saudi Arabia and the UAE are ever more keenly felt in this era. Since the wave of chaos and instability unleashed in 2011, from which our Arab region has suffered ever since, the UAE-Saudi alliance has demonstrated strength, wisdom, and sound strategic vision.
It has taken the lead in addressing all sources of threats and backing Arab nation-states and armies. Some have bounced back and joined the alliance to provide a helping hand against the aggressions of regional hegemonies, terrorist organizations, and extremist arms that serve as agents for regional sectarian powers.
The Saudi Arabia-UAE bond has evolved into a relationship that goes beyond the traditional strategic frameworks of modern international relations. They are richer and closer than modern alliances. Stronger than partnerships. More durable and robust than traditional diplomacy.
They are based on historical roots and shared destiny and goals, and a strong determination to address all the challenges facing both societies.
This is why the UAE and its people celebrate the Saudi National Day, held on September 23rd each year, as an Emirati national holiday symbolizing everything that connects the two nations. This spontaneous national feeling is most sincerely reflected in the slogan “Saudi Arabia and the UAE: Together Forever” launched by the UAE, as leaders, citizens and government, to celebrate the national day of the sister kingdom.
The strong national feeling in the UAE, which swept through the media and public space, was not spearheaded by governments or leaders. It simply reflects how the Emirati people feel about their brothers in the kingdom.
For residents of the GCC countries generally and the UAE especially, Saudi Arabia holds an exceptional place. It incarnates everyone’s big sister. A source of wisdom, strength and determination, it safeguards the gains of our nations and protects their national security against any aggressor.
The experiences of the past decades have shown that wise Saudi leaders are concerned about defending the security and stability of their brothers. They are committed to cementing the close fraternal ties between the UAE and the Saudi people in the glorious journey of the GCC.
The GCC held its first summit in May 1981, at the request of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Abu Dhabi Declaration issued at that historic summit announced that the establishment of the Council was a response to the historical, social, cultural, economic, political and strategic realities facing the Gulf region.
This historical reality and legacy has not been continued by some GCC regimes. They have undercut the security and stability of our people and countries. As such, the alliance and partnership between UAE and Saudi Arabia had to be further enhanced to strengthen the foundations of the GCC and ensure its continuity in the face of malicious schemes.
Solidarity and shared sacrifice are the hallmark of Saudi-emiracy brotherhood. This alliance has been the main bulwark to defend the national security of the GCC countries. It has been the foundation of our Arab nation’s defense system amid the chaos and turbulence that has brought down Arab collective security systems and eroded the sovereignty of many states in the region. It has been the voice of determination in the face of extremism and terrorism, its organizations and sponsors who want nothing but harm to our countries.
On this 90th national day, Saudi Arabia stands as an icon of development progress in the Arab world. Under the ambitious leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is living a major development boom.
Its celebration on this momentous occasion is a day of joy for all the Emirates. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are two nations united to face all contingencies and challenges. They have a long common past. A flourishing present. Exemplary fraternal ties. A strong political and popular will bolstering this high model of fraternity.
