Emiratis and residents took to social media networks on Wednesday with messages of gratitude to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, after His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, dedicated the anniversary of his accession to thanking the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince.

As he has done for the past few years, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid asked people of the UAE to mark the Accession Day anniversary, which falls on January 4, by recognising those who have impacted people’s lives and served the nation.

“Today, we urge our Emirati people to thank Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed who devoted his life to raising the stature of the nation and ensuring the happiness of citizens,” Shaikh Mohammad tweeted using the hashtag #Thank_You-Shaikh_Mohammad_Bin_Zayed

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid added: “With the New Year, I have addressed a letter to Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed to thank him, not in my name, but in the name of my people, not to thank him for a personal matter but for what is he doing for the nation and its generations to come.”

In a letter addressed to Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid urged Emirati citizens to express their appreciation for Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed.

Many Emiratis said the founding father Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s spirit was alive and “with us thanks to Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed”.

#Thank_You_Mohammad_Bin_Zayed. No matter how much we thank you it will never be enough,” tweeted Adnan Al Za’abi.

Dr Ahmad Bel Houl Al Falasi expressed his thanks to an exceptionally influential and inspiring leader, his deep vision that includes caring for young people and encouraging them. “Thanks for empowering generations to come. Thanks for stressing that education is our bet for the future beyond oil, when our young men and women will compete with the entire world.”

Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor tweeted: “What a beautiful start of the Shaikh Zayed Year to say thank you Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed.”

Khalid Al Ameri tweeted; “Thank you Mohammad Bin Zayed for everything you do for your country and the people, your love and dedication to us all knows no limit, and your leadership towards making our lives better is an inspiration to us all, may Allah bless you always.”

The Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid’s twitter account said on Wednesday the hashtag has garnered over 185 million impressions since its launch on Tuesday.

Hazza Bin Banan thanked Mohammad Bin Zayed — the leader who dedicated his time and life to his beloved nation and happiness of its people.

Emirati citizens and residents were joined by citizens from the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, in expressing their admiration of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed.

Saad Al Rasheed tweeted: “We Saudis thank Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed for standing by us in good times and bad times.

Alya Al Jasmi expressed her thanks “for the man in whom we see Shaikh Zayed. Thank you for keeping the trust. Thank you for the source of strength of the UAE people”, she tweeted.

Thousands of posts went up on Instagram, including videos of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid paying visits to families of martyrs, saluting the UAE Armed Forces and sharing light moments with leaders and people of the UAE — young and old.

The initiative was part of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid’s January 4 Accession Day celebrations, an occasion the Ruler has for past few years used to pay tribute to a segment of society that contributes to the success of the nation.

Previous years have seen Shaikh Mohammad dedicate the occasion to extend his appreciation — expressed through his Twitter account — towards President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Armed Forces, the mothers of the UAE, orphans, and the “unsung heroes and unknown soldiers”, referring to the labour force at large.

 Excerpts from Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid’s letter:

The letter conveys appreciation of the sweeping achievements of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed:

“My letter is #Thank_You_ Mohammad_Bin_Zayed to thank him, not in my name, but in the name of my people, not to thank him for a personal matter but for his dedication to the nation and its generations to come. Thank you Mohammad Bin Zayed because we see the late Shaikh Zayed in you as if he is still alive among us.

“Thank you Mohammad Bin Zayed because you are the defender of the country, the leader of its armed forces and the lion of the nation.

“Thank you Mohammad Bin Zayed because you embraced youths, taught them how to serve their nation, and imparted to them the spirit of heroism, manhood and militarism.

“Thank you Mohammad Bin Zayed ... you have carried on with the nation’s drive, laid the groundwork for a new centennial and established a place and stature for us among nations.

“Thank you Mohammad Bin Zayed because you honoured the martyrs … embraced their children, comforted their families and raised their banner of glory and pride …”