The United Arab Emirates, both government and people, is keen to join its brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in celebrating Saudi National Day, which falls on September 23 each year, as a confirmation of the spirit of brotherhood, friendship, and love that binds the two brotherly peoples. This bond has become a unique and exceptional model at the level of international relations and the strength of strategic partnership and integration that unites the two countries on all fronts, serving as a model for stability, security, growth, and prosperity in the region.
On this day, iconic buildings in the UAE adorn themselves with the colors of the Saudi flag in celebration of the occasion, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Burj Al Arab, Capital Gate, ADNOC Tower, Hazza Stadium, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Marina Mall, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Emirates Palace, and others. Electronic road signs also illuminate to embody the strength and durability of the bilateral relations between the two countries and peoples, highlighting the alignment in visions and goals, as well as the clear harmony between them.
The relationship between the UAE and Saudi Arabia is based on blood unity, good neighborliness, and mutual interest between the leaderships of the two brotherly countries and peoples in achieving prosperity for the region as a whole. This model of constructive partnership and positive relationship is built on solid foundations of mutual trust, aiming for the security, stability, progress, and prosperity of both countries and the region at large.
**Integration of Visions**
The brotherly relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia represent a shining model amidst their complete harmony and integrated visions towards common issues and topics of interest. The UAE has made significant strides in establishing the foundations of strategic relations with the Kingdom across all fields and domains, based on stable and robust grounds. As the largest economic powers in the region, they aspire to reach a full economic partnership to serve the peoples of both sister countries and the region.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed that “our cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is solid, our coordination is ongoing, and our relations are at their best, thanks to God. We have a shared vision for the good of both peoples and a strong determination led by the best leaders.” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also stated that “the partnership between the UAE and Saudi Arabia is strong and ongoing for the benefit of both countries and the region.”
The foundations of these relations were established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, with his late brother King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may he also rest in peace, covering all areas and sectors, including political, military, economic, social, cultural, and educational domains. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King of Saudi Arabia, these relations have transitioned to a full strategic partnership. The UAE believes that the strength of its relationship with its older sister Saudi Arabia represents the historical depth and safety valve for the two brotherly countries and the greater Arab nation, embodying a model of stability, security, growth, and prosperity in the region.
**Coordination Council**
Recently, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, UAE-Saudi relations have taken on new dimensions, culminating in the signing of an agreement to establish the "UAE-Saudi Coordination Council," a dream that was not out of reach. The strong relationship between the two countries naturally leads to the establishment of such a council, which will benefit not only the two sister countries but also the Gulf Cooperation Council states and the peoples of the Arab region.
In June 2016, the UAE-Saudi Coordination Council held its first meeting in Jeddah, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. It was confirmed that the council represents a contribution to joint Arab action, aiming to develop a common vision between the two countries to deepen the distinguished relations between them in line with the goals of the Gulf Cooperation Council and enhance the integrated economic system between the two sister countries while finding innovative solutions for optimal resource utilization and building an effective and integrated educational system based on the strengths of the UAE and Saudi Arabia to prepare highly competent national generations.
The decision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to establish a committee for cooperation and joint coordination between the UAE and Saudi Arabia on December 5, 2017, covering all military, political, economic, commercial, and cultural fields, was a significant preliminary step crucial for expanding the horizons and levels of cooperation between the two countries, achieving their mutual developmental interests, and extending its positive impacts to various countries in the Gulf region and the Arab states.
**Universities**
In the field of education, the number of Saudi students studying at UAE universities exceeds 3,000, with most of them majoring in medical and health sciences, as well as scientific disciplines like engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, and others, in addition to various administrative and financial specialties, including law. Most universities in the UAE offer dedicated scholarship seats for Saudi students, and there are more than 500 Saudi students of determination receiving behavioral and integrated education in specialized centers and schools in the UAE.
