Excerpt from Mishal Kanoo’s speech during The Kanoo Group's luncheon with all employees in celebration of UAE's 53rd National Day, November 25, 2024, at The Kanoo Group Dubai HQ
Fifty-three years – just how long is fifty-three years really? Pause and consider that number for a moment.
It's half a century of transformation that has reshaped not just a nation, but the entire region's destiny. When we look back at the UAE's remarkable journey, we see a story that defies all odds.
Fifty years ago, this place was nothing in the map. Nobody really cared, per se. This land was known primarily for pearls and fishing. That’s it. The only mention of the region on ancient maps was in tales of seafaring adventures. The Greeks, the Persians – they all passed through, but few saw the potential that lay dormant in these shores. Some even called it as a place where pirates dwell.
Today, that very same land stands as a global beacon of possibility, just fifty-three years in the making.
The UAE has emerged as a pivotal player in the world economy and international diplomacy. We've become a nation that bridges cultures, extends humanitarian aid, and consistently strives to make lives better across the globe. But perhaps most remarkably, we've established ourselves as a haven – not just for people, but for dreams.
Look around you. The UAE, especially Dubai, has flourished because it welcomed visionaries from every corner of the world.
Consider the success stories of Landmark, Sobha, and Lulu – now giants in their respective industries, not just locally but regionally. These enterprises achieved here what might have been impossible in their home countries. This isn't mere coincidence – it's the direct result of visionary leadership and an enabling environment that encourages growth.
Unlike many nations that turn inward, the UAE stands unique in its openness. They welcome all, regardless of their economic status or background, to pursue their dreams. They don't just offer a place to stay – they provide a platform to build, to grow, to thrive.
As it marks 53 years, this celebration extends beyond the UAE as a nation. It's a celebration for every individual who has found opportunity here, who has built a life, who has secured a future for their family. These blessings demand our gratitude and awareness.
History has shown us how quickly prosperity can vanish – we need only look at nations with millennia of history, like Libya and Syria, to see how external forces can destroy what internal strength fails to protect.
The devastation we witness today in Gaza reminds us that peace and stability should never be taken for granted. We must be thankful for a nation that prioritizes our safety and well-being above all else. The UAE demonstrates this not just through government action, but through the collective compassion of its citizens and residents who readily extend help to those in need worldwide.
This spirit of giving, this readiness to help others less fortunate, must become ingrained in our consciousness. While we enjoy peace and prosperity here, we must remember our responsibility to help others who haven't been blessed with the same opportunities.
To everyone gathered here today at The Kanoo Group, I urge you: seize the platform this nation has given you. Create something meaningful. Build something lasting. Your success is part of the UAE's success story.
We must take a moment to acknowledge this nation's extraordinary achievements. The UAE has provided countless opportunities for growth and prosperity to people from all walks of life. This remarkable progress in such a short time span deserves our deepest gratitude and recognition.
Let this National Day be more than a celebration of the UAE's achievements – let it be a celebration of the opportunities we've been given and a reminder of our responsibility to make the most of them. We are privileged to be part of this nation's continuing journey, and I, your chairman, am deeply grateful to share this moment with all of you.
Thank you, and may God continue to bless the UAE and all who call it home.
