The United Arab Emirates celebrates today its 43rd National Day, to commemorate the unification of the country by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In 1971 the seven Emirates were united as UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Sharjah and Ajman) to become a powerful country and symboliz the start of a new dawn in the Arab World. Zayed has a special place in Egyptian hearts as they recognize in him a great Arabic leader who led his people to a level of progress that amazed the entire world and established UAE as a role model in just 40 years. Zayed descendants never forgot their father's love for Egypt which they wholeheartedly support in its fight against terrorism. The UAE flag was raised for the first time in 1971 to declare the establishment of the country to the entire world. Leaders of the seven Emirates held meetings to discuss the true meaning of cooperation between them. The UAE has a history that goes back thousands of years due to its unique location and its trading role between the Arabian Peninsula and the Asian continent. "Arab oil is not more precious than Arab blood" said Cheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a phrase that summarizes his strong stand and appreciation for the region. During the 1973 EgyptianIsraeli war, he took one of his most notable positions when he initiated the first oil shock as an effective method of pressure on UN resolutions concerning the conflict. Zayed also supported Egypt even after the Camp David Accords when he said "we cannot be an Arab nation without the presence of Egypt, and Egypt cannot dispense with the Arab nation." He always stood by Egypt declaring that "the renaissance of Egypt is the renaissance of the entire Arab World,". After the 6th of October 1973 victory he helped in the reconstruction of the Suez Canal cities destroyed by Israel in 1967. Dozens of cities in Egypt were named after him, proof of the vital role he played the country's development and repayment of its debt. Egyptians will never forget Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the great Sheikh of Arabs. History of relations between both countries goes back before 1971, as Egypt is one of the first countries to recognize the new union.
