Text and photos: Juan David Latorre
Last Tuesday, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates celebrated the 54th National Day with a grand reception that included a spectacular laser light show highlighting the recent history of the UAE.
The Emirati ambassador, Saleh Ahmad Salem Alzaraim Alsuwaidi, began his speech by remembering the figure of the “Founding Father” of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whom he described as having “built our young nation on unity, compassion, generosity, and service to humanity.”
“Our nation,” the ambassador continued, “has remained true to Zayed’s principles, while embracing innovation, technology, and global cooperation to meet the challenges of our time, focusing all these efforts on serving humanity. This year, the celebration of the Emirati Union’s National Day aligns with the Union President’s declaration of the Year of Community in 2025. This declaration shares the leadership and deep confidence in the ability of citizens and residents to contribute constructively to the nation’s progress and development and to strengthen the values of participation and solidarity. The Year of Community is a call to solidarity, the concept of unity in diversity, as the Emirati Union embraces more than 200 nationalities living on its land in harmony and peace, with a unique society characterized by tolerance, openness, and coexistence.”
“At the last G20 summit, the UAE launched a major initiative to support African nations with $1 billion to help improve food systems, digital governance, climate resilience, and education. In humanitarian action, the UAE has once again ranked among the top donors relative to national income. In the case of Gaza, for example, 44% of all humanitarian aid to African nations has been provided. Meanwhile, in South Africa, $3.95 billion has been pledged between 2014 and 2025. Since the conflict began in 2023, more than $780 million has been offered, making the UAE the second largest donor to Sudan.”
In his speech, the Emirati ambassador emphasized his country’s policy of “constructive dialogue, national sovereignty, and international engagement. The UAE believes that development and peace are complementary paths to creating a better future for all leaders.”
Regarding the relationship between Spain and the United Arab Emirates, the Emirati ambassador described it as “historic, founded on a strong base and extending across all sectors. The economic aspect, in particular, is growing. Mubadala has been one of the UAE’s most significant investments in Spain for over a decade. Its investment in Moeve highlights the cornerstone of our economic relationship. Mubadala is also involved in advanced manufacturing technology and aviation services through Spain, strengthening long-term industrial cooperation. The Abu Dhabi oil company is deepening its collaboration with Spanish companies in advanced petroleum products, future fuels, and exploring green hydrocarbon territories between the UAE, Spain, and Europe.”
Saleh Ahmad Salem Alzaraim Alsuwaidi also highlighted the importance of Mazda, “which is considered the world’s leading renewable energy company,” and the investment in Navantia, which “has become a key player in Spanish and European logistics, enhancing Spain’s role as a global maritime bridge. These investments, among many others, represent a long-term commitment that reflects the UAE’s confidence in Spain’s future.”
“The UAE and Spain have immense potential to shape the future together, particularly in the areas of clean energy, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, data centers, food security, and fishing capacity, and most importantly, working and investing together in Africa and Latin America. In fact, what truly strengthens our relationship is our people, thanks to the more than 13,000 Spanish citizens living in the UAE who contribute positively to our progress and development,” the ambassador noted. He concluded by emphasizing that “we are confident in an even brighter future of cooperation, friendship and good fortune between the Emirates and Spain.”
