Senate Resolution No. 980

BY: Senator THOMAS

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the
Independence of the United Arab Emirates

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the United Arab
Emirates; and

WHEREAS, Independence Day is a significant public holiday in the
United Arab Emirates; it is celebrated on December 2nd every year and is
the day the country attained its independence in 1971, and the day its
British protectorate status ended; and

WHEREAS, The United Arab Emirates, is a constitutional federation of
seven emirates; and

WHEREAS, The European voyagers discovered the United Arab Emirates
in 1498; as a result, the history of the country dates back to over 500
years; its history is interrupted by Portuguese, Dutch and British
settlers who for hundreds of years each fought to control this
territory; and

WHEREAS, The British Empire ultimately was able to take control of
the Sheikdoms of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain,
Fujairah, and Ras al-Khaimah in 1820; and

WHEREAS, The country attained its well-deserved independence from
the British on December 2, 1971; and

WHEREAS, The United Arab Emirates hosts nearly 100 foreign embassies
in its capital of Abu Dhabi, and almost 80 consulates in Dubai; and

WHEREAS, In gaining independence, the United Arab Emirates today is
a nation of 9.89 million people that is projected to continue to grow
until 2033; and

WHEREAS, There are more than 200 nationalities living and working in
the United Arab Emirates; and

WHEREAS, The literacy rate in the United Arab Emirates is close to
95%; and

WHEREAS, The United Arab Emirates globally ranks as having the sixth
largest proven reserves of both oil and natural gas; and

WHEREAS, Some notable landmarks to be found in the United Arab
Emirates include: the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building; the

Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made archipelago; and the Sheikh
Zayed Mosque, the eighth-largest mosque in the world; and

WHEREAS, The United Arab Emirates has achieved many important
milestones in the medical, educational, technological and social arenas;
and

WHEREAS, The United Arab Emirates has witnessed impressive economic
and urban revolutions, crowning it as one of the leading touristic
destinations and investment hub, both regionally and internationally;
and

WHEREAS, H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the
United Arab Emirates proclaimed 2021, as the "Year of the 50th" to
commemorate 50 years of the country's formation in 1971; and

WHEREAS, From April 6, 2021 until March 31, 2022, the United Arab
Emirates will celebrate the journey of its founding five decades and
begin preparing the journey of its next five decades; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body declares December 2, 2021, as Emirati
Day in New York State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and
exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the
fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the United Arab
Emirates; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the United Arab Emirates Consul General and the United
Nations Ambassador.