The UAE is an unstoppable force of progress. Just when you think it's reached its technological and economic peak, it surprises you with a new world record and new government ministry you've never heard of before.
Here's a list of accomplishments the UAE has claimed between its last year's National Day and this years.
1. Pope Francis was invited to visit, even though the country is a Muslim state
Pope Francis was invited to visit the UAE by Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi the Minister of State for Tolerance. Sheikha Lubna said the invitation would further promote the culture of dialogue, with a theme that all are bound by tolerance, coexistence and respect for values.
2. The massive man-made Dubai Canal was unveiled
On the 9th of November, the >Dubai Canal was filled with water. "We celebrate the canal, an architectural, commercial and geographical triumph," tweets Sheikh Mohammed. The Canal is a $545-million project that had been three years in the making. It is Dubai's largest project of 2016.
3. The Dubai Opera is the youngest opera house in the world
The dhow-shaped >Dubai Opera opened on August 31st, 2016, blowing us all away with this beautiful interior. The venue hosts a variety of events including opera, theater, concerts, art exhibitions, orchestra, film, sports events and many more. The iconic French play Les Misérables is currently playing here.
4. The UAE appointed women to high government positions
Seven new women were appointed to the country's cabinet this year, including Ohood Al Roumi, 29, the country's first-ever Minister of State for Happiness. With women forming nearly 25 percent of the cabinet, making it one of the highest female participation rates in politics in the world.
On the 23rd of November the UAE swore in three new female ambassadors. Women already make up 20 percent of the diplomatic corp in the UAE.
5. It opened the first 3D printed office in the world
The world's first fully >3D printed office was opened on the 23rd of May by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid.
“We implement what we plan, and we pursue actions, not theories. The rapidly changing world requires us to accelerate our pace of development for history does not recognize our plans but our achievements,” Sheikh Mohammad said, according to Gulf News .
6. Plans for a hyperloop between Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been set in motion
Though not completed yet, the sheer news of this magnitude was something really impressive! A trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 15 minutes is soon to be a reality with the> Hyperloop.
7. Sex-correction surgeries, organ transplantation now legal
>Sex surgery operations, until September, were forbidden in the UAE. Under article 7 of the law governing healthcare, doctors can now perform sex change operations, under certain precautions.
Also in September, a law allowing organ transplantation from living people and the deceased was passed. The organ transplant law will take effect from March 2017.