OFFICIALS OF the UAE’s Ministry of Finance planted a tree at the ministry’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, as the country gears up for the 41st National Day celebrations, set to be observed on Sunday, December 2, 2012.
The tree-planting campaign was initiated by UAE’s Vice President, Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as part of a greater drive that aims at ‘greening’ the country.
Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, the Minister of State for Financial Affairs and Younis Haji Khouri, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), led officials in the tree-planting exercise at the ministry’s office in the capital.
Al Tayer emphasised on the ministry’s top management efforts to adopt the Union Tree initiative for its role in promoting patriotism and loyalty to the Union in addition to following the UAE leadership and promoting the green culture in all organisations and members of the UAE community.
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First Gulf Bank celebrates National Day
REFLECTING ITS deep sense of belonging to the United Arab Emirates and following its commitment to the local community, the First Gulf Bank (FGB) celebrated the 41st anniversary of the UAE National Day with a range of activities to mark the nation’s Spirit of Union.
FGB conducted a range of initiatives in celebration of this important event that encompassed the spirit of the UAE, in the attendance of Abdulhamid Mohammed Saeed, the Managing Director and Board Member of FGB and André Sayegh, the CEO of FGB. In line with the ‘Union Tree initiative’, Saeed and Sayegh also planted a Ghaf tree, one of the symbols of the UAE.
FGB also raised the UAE flag at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi under the slogan ‘On top of our Bank a Flag’ as part of the Flag campaign in the UAE, besides decorating its 21 branches. In addition, the bank installed a tent at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, providing an opportunity for customers and employees to get to know more about the rich cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates, and to watch traditional Yola dancers, falcons, and enjoy traditional food.
Commenting on the significance of this occasion, Abdul Hamid Saeed said: “I would like to provide my gratitude and respect to the UAE’s wise leadership and their role in supporting the growth and development of our nation. Today’s celebrations and festivities are to recognise the rich history and culture of the UAE and to highlight the union’s achievements over the past 41 years.”
“As we celebrate the 41st UAE National Day, FGB reflects that there is a spirit that ties us all together. We stand here today as nationals and residents alike in unity to celebrate this cherished occasion. The success and the glory of the nation today and tomorrow has been and will continue to be our inspiration to succeed in years to come,” Andre’ Sayegh added.