Coinciding with the UAE's 39th National Day

Sharjah, UAE 30 November 2010 - Coinciding with the UAE's 39th National day commemorating the day of the Arab Emirates unity, Al Qasimi publishing printed a second edition of "Hadeeth Al Thakera", the book written by HH Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, and Ruler of Sharjah. The book highlights the major milestones in the formation of the UAE, details of the union, conflicts, challenges and obstacles that it faced in the beginning. 

"Hadeeth Al Thakera" (meaning: Memories of a Nation), that was launched at Sharjah Book Fair this year,  includes stories such as the assassination of the late Sharjah Ruler, Sheikh Khaled bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and the joining of Ras Al Khaimah to the union. It also highlights the desire of HH the late Sheikh Zayed to leave the presidency and how the Supreme Council members insisted and persuaded him to change his mind and remain in power.

The book dedicates a special chapter to the historical decisions and steps taken to support the union, including the speech of HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late ruler of the UAE, to the local media, where he discussed many internal issues like his vision of the future missions and clarifying his responsibility with his brothers, the members of the Supreme Council. The chapter also features the engagement and efforts of people at that time in driving the union towards a new era and coping with the negative issues that hindered its mission.  

The book mentions how HH the late Sheikh Zayed clarified the responsibility of the Supreme Council members in this regard in his words: "Each ruler has to be keen on the stability of this country, and should not have different goals, because their nation is looking to them and expecting a lot from them. We have to denounce personal interests, because the common interest joins us... and achieves happiness for all". 

HH the late Sheikh Zayed also gave attention to freedom of speech and criticism. In this he said: "We believe in the freedom and dignity of the citizen, and the press which is part of this nation is its conscience, therefore, we have to welcome critiques because we are all partners in opinion, planning and execution, and our goal is to achieve public interest and build this nation".

HH the late Sheikh Zayed also added: "It is disappointing to see contradictions between the official media in the country, and it is our duty to correct this error quickly". 

HH also referred to the importance of achieving full coordination between the Emirates when establishing industrial and other projects, and that the economy of this nation has to be wholly linked, and that each established project has to serve the entire society to make it happier.

The late HH also referred to administrative corruption, in which he said: "The success of the nation is impossible if corruption exists, it is a plague that needs to be eradicated. We do not want to have among us such a disease that stains the countries. However, we have to be fully alert to protect ourselves and our children from this disease... and to firmly punish all those who deviate, in order to protect the sacredness of the public wealth.    

Speaking of the experience of the Union National Council, HH the late Sheikh Zayed said: "We welcome listening to the opinion of the UAE nationals, as we always seek their advise and hold them responsible in small and big matters because we are all soldiers of this nation, and who

HH the late Sheikh Zayed spoke about the country's efforts to reduce the living burdens on the citizens and about the support that it extends through the national trading company that sells food items for low prices. He added: "The traders have to understand that this company was created to serve the interests of the people, therefore, their personal interests have to disappear in front of the public interest.. which is the interest of their people". 

The first edition of Hadeeth Al Thakera has completely sold out at the Sharjah International Book Fair this year. Al Qasimi Publications revealed that all five thousand books were sold during the book fair, which took place in Sharjah Expo from October 26th to November 6th.

Both Hadeeth Al Thakera and the English version of Sard Al That in title of "My Early Life", which was also written by HH the Ruler of Sharjah, will be soon available in stores throughout the Middle East.

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:
Noura Dabo
TBWA/RAAD/PR
Direct: +971 4 425 8995
noura.dabo@ketchum-raad.com 

© Press Release 2010