HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, witnessed the signing of agreements for six major partners to contribute to supporting the "Emirates Villages" project, which was announced on the agenda of the annual meetings of the UAE government in its current session.

The agreements were signed by Etihad Water and Electricity, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company "ADNOC", Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), Aldar Properties, Etihad Rail, First Abu Dhabi Bank Group, and Abu Dhabi Ports.

HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed that the Emirates Villages project reflects the foundations and pillars laid by the UAE leadership to draw new features for economic and societal prosperity in the coming years.

His Highness said that the Emirates Council for Balanced Development represents a linking point for government entities and the private sector to innovate and develop national projects that have a positive impact on the economy and society, and will work to develop a system to integrate efforts to achieve the visions of the UAE.

HE Mohammad Mohamad Saleh, Director General of Etihad Water and Electricity, affirmed his pride in the partnership with the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, the latest national entity formed with the aim of advancing development in villages and rural areas, in reflecting of the Principles of the 50 announced by the leadership, which demonstrates its full keenness to build future plans to secure the interests of Emirates and the decent life of its people in various regions of the country.

His Excellency said that based on the EtihadWE's sincere desire to contribute effectively to national development projects, which in turn represent part of the UAE's efforts to achieve the sustainability in various sectors, it will ensure full support for development projects that the Emirates Council for Balanced Development will implement in the targeted areas.

It is noteworthy that the Emirates Villages project is based on 5 development tracks that include developing infrastructure, beautifying villages, raising awareness of their historical and archaeological dimension, launching commercial and economic projects, and launching a series of media campaigns to highlight the most important ingredients that villages contain, in order to enhance their presence on the map of internal tourism in the country.