What does it take to be among the best in the world? A key requirement for such a coveted status is for a country to excel across a range of criteria, including economic and political influence, citizenship, social welfare, and economic well-being.

The UAE ranks high on most of counts and it is duly reflected in the various global reports. The latest one by the US News & World Report on the world's best nations places the UAE on the 10th rung for its far-reaching economic and political influence, robustness, diverse global alliances, and modern army, including the embrace of advanced military technologies.

Laying special focus on the peculiarities of the UAE military power, a number of specialised research centres and think tanks have been highlighting the background of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. He is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, which is ranked among the most prestigious military institutions in the world. And the UAE is believed to be the Arab country with the largest number of cadets from this academy.

Several years ago, former US defence secretary James Mattis at the Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis said that the UAE armed forces represent an inspirational example for several countries around the world. "The UAE sets a precious example in the world today," he said.

He recently said that the Pope's recent visit to the country earlier this year as well as the staging of the Special Olympics in March have strengthened the UAE's reputation overseas. "The UAE has strategic patience in a world of impatience," he said, and the "country deserved great credit for exemplifying the strength of diplomacy."

Among other strengths that placed the UAE among the best in the world is its soft power, the real seeds of which were sown by the founding father, and now thriving under the insightful management of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and ultimately fructifying into balanced strategic partnerships with a large number of allies around the world.

The UAE is forging ahead and reaping the dividends of the forward-thinking and nimble policies adopted by late Sheikh Zayed and maintained by our wise leadership.

Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi is the Executive Director of the Emirates News Agency, Wam


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