54 Years of Glory: How UAE Innovation Shaped a Nation of Possibilities
- Credence & Co
- Dec 1, 2025
- 17 min read
On December 2, 1971, a historic moment unfolded in the Arabian Gulf when six emirates united under a shared vision to forge a nation that would defy all expectations. The United Arab Emirates, born from the wisdom of visionary leaders and the courage of determined people, has transformed from humble desert communities into one of the world's most dynamic and prosperous nations. As the UAE celebrates its 54th National Day in 2025, the journey of transformation stands as a testament to what unity, innovation, and visionary leadership can achieve.
The story of the UAE is not merely one of economic growth or architectural marvels—it is a narrative of human aspiration, cultural preservation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Under the leadership of its founding fathers and successive generations of leaders, the nation has emerged as a global beacon of progress, tolerance, and innovation, setting benchmarks that inspire nations worldwide.Watch:
· Foundation of UAE on 2nd December 1971 by Sheikh ZayedThe Foundation: Sheikh Zayed's Vision of Unity
The foundation of the UAE rests upon the extraordinary vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation's founding father, whose philosophy of unity and shared prosperity transformed the region forever. In the wake of Britain's announcement in 1968 to withdraw from the Arabian Gulf by 1971, Sheikh Zayed recognized that survival and prosperity could only be achieved through federation.
On February 18, 1968, in a historic meeting at Al Sameeh on the border between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the late Ruler of Dubai, signed the Union Accord—a pivotal agreement that laid the groundwork for federation. This meeting, marked by mutual respect and shared vision, invited the other Trucial States to join in forming a unified nation. Despite challenges and difficult negotiations that sometimes reached deadlock, Sheikh Zayed's unwavering commitment to unity prevailed.
On December 2, 1971, the United Arab Emirates formally emerged as a sovereign nation, with six emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, and Fujairah—joining together. Ras Al Khaimah completed the union on February 10, 1972, bringing all seven emirates under one federal umbrella. The rulers unanimously elected Sheikh Zayed as the first President of the UAE, a position he held for 33 years until his passing in 2004, earning him the enduring title of "Father of the Nation".
Sheikh Zayed's leadership philosophy was revolutionary for its time. He believed that "the real asset of any advanced nation is its people, and the prosperity and success of the people are measured by the standard of their education". This people-centric approach drove his decision to channel oil wealth into comprehensive national development, establishing the foundations for modern healthcare, education, and infrastructure that continue to serve the nation today. For those seeking comprehensive valuation services in the UAE, the nation's rapid development has created a sophisticated real estate and business landscape that requires expert assessment.
Economic Diversification: Building a Knowledge-Based Economy
The UAE's economic transformation stands as one of the most remarkable achievements of the past half-century. While oil wealth provided initial capital, the nation's leadership recognized early that sustainable prosperity required economic diversification. This foresight has proven prescient, as demonstrated by the latest economic data from 2025.
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In the first quarter of 2025, the UAE economy achieved a historic milestone: non-oil sectors contributed a record 77.3 percent to the nation's GDP—the highest in the country's history. The country's real GDP grew by 3.9 percent to reach AED 455 billion, with non-oil GDP expanding by an impressive 5.3 percent to AED 352 billion. This achievement reflects decades of strategic planning and investment in diversifying the economic base beyond hydrocarbons.
The trade sector led contributions to non-oil GDP with 15.6 percent, followed by finance and insurance at 14.6 percent, manufacturing at 13.4 percent, construction at 12.0 percent, and real estate activities at 7.4 percent. Manufacturing activities topped growth rates with 7.7 percent expansion, followed by finance, insurance, and construction sectors, each achieving 7.0 percent growth. Professional real estate valuation companies in Dubai have witnessed this diversification firsthand through the evolution of property markets across various sectors.
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Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasized that these results "reaffirm the strength and resilience of the UAE economy and its capacity to sustain exceptional growth". The minister highlighted that the UAE's comprehensive development model and progressive economic policies have created a business and investment environment that has become "a global benchmark". In 2025, the UAE achieved total foreign trade worth AED 2.3 trillion, with non-oil GDP reaching AED 660 billion, and the establishment of more than 200,000 new companies.
The nation's strategic vision extends to 2031 through the "We the UAE 2031" plan, which aims to raise the country's GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade. This ambitious target builds upon the foundation of the UAE Centennial 2071 plan, a comprehensive roadmap designed to make the UAE the best country in the world by its 100th anniversary.
Space Exploration: Reaching for the Red Planet
The UAE's foray into space exploration exemplifies the nation's commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving the seemingly impossible. The Emirates Mars Mission, known as the Hope Probe, represents not only a technological achievement but also a profound statement of the nation's aspirations and capabilities.
Launched on July 20, 2020, from Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre, the Hope Probe successfully entered Mars' orbit on February 9, 2021, making the UAE the fifth nation in history—and the first Arab nation—to reach the Red Planet. The timing of this achievement, coinciding with the UAE's Golden Jubilee celebrating 50 years of union, added profound symbolic significance to the mission.
The mission was developed by a team of over 200 Emirati engineers at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, working in collaboration with international partners. This approach ensured knowledge transfer while building indigenous capabilities—a strategy consistent with the UAE's broader development philosophy. The achievements of the Emirates Mars Mission include developing 200 new designs and manufacturing 66 pieces of probe components within the UAE itself.
Since entering Martian orbit, the Hope Probe has far exceeded its original mission objectives, collecting more than 1.7 terabytes of scientific data. To date, over 688.5 gigabytes of processed data have been released publicly to the international scientific community, helping researchers worldwide better understand Mars' atmosphere and weather patterns. The probe's unique orbit, ranging from 20,000 to 43,000 kilometers above the Martian surface, allows it to complete one revolution around Mars every 55 hours, providing unprecedented observational opportunities.
Notable discoveries include never-before-seen images of Martian dust storms billowing across the surface, observations of remarkable concentrations of oxygen and carbon monoxide in Mars' atmosphere, and recording of the sinuous discrete aurora—a mysterious "worm-like" aurora on Mars' nightside that no previous Mars mission had documented. These contributions have solidified the UAE's position as a serious player in space exploration and scientific research.
Renewable Energy Leadership: Masdar's Global Impact
The UAE's commitment to sustainable development and clean energy has positioned the nation as a global leader in renewable energy innovation. At the forefront of this transformation is Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), established in 2006 to diversify the UAE's energy resources and boost the local economy.
Since its founding, Masdar has invested in renewable energy projects with a combined value of US$8.5 billion, with Masdar's share representing US$2.7 billion. The company's renewable energy projects span across the UAE, Jordan, Mauritania, Egypt, Morocco, the United Kingdom, Serbia, and Spain, demonstrating the UAE's commitment to global clean energy development.
In October 2025, the UAE laid the foundation stone for what has been deemed the world's first 24/7 mega renewable energy plant—a groundbreaking Dh22 billion (US$6 billion) project developed by Masdar in partnership with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). This revolutionary project features a 5.2 GW solar photovoltaic plant integrated with a 19 GWh battery energy storage system, making it the most advanced and technically sophisticated project of its kind worldwide.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, emphasized that the project "marks a new chapter in the global clean energy sector" and demonstrates the UAE's commitment to "leveraging advanced technology and innovation to drive sustainable development". Once operational by 2027, the facility will deliver one gigawatt of clean, around-the-clock baseload power at a globally competitive tariff.
Masdar's portfolio extends beyond large-scale generation to include pioneering projects in carbon capture and clean energy integration. The Carbon Capture, Usage & Storage (CCUS) project in Abu Dhabi—the first under Al Reyadah, a joint venture between Masdar and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)—captures up to 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually from Emirates Steel plants for use in enhanced oil recovery. The captured CO2 remains permanently geologically stored in underground reservoirs, demonstrating practical application of carbon management technology.
The company aims to expand its total clean energy portfolio to 100 GW by 2030, solidifying its role as a key enabler of the global energy transition. This ambitious target aligns with the UAE's broader commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and supports the nation's economic diversification strategy.
Infrastructure Development: Building the Future
The UAE's physical transformation over the past 54 years stands as one of the most visible manifestations of the nation's progress. From the iconic Burj Khalifa—the world's tallest building at 828 meters—to the expansive Dubai Metro network, infrastructure development has been central to the UAE's emergence as a global hub.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been the driving force behind Dubai's infrastructure revolution. His vision has consistently emphasized that Dubai must become "the best, the most beautiful, the most refined, and the most civilized city in the world". This ambitious mandate has translated into concrete projects that enhance quality of life while positioning the UAE as a global destination for business, tourism, and investment.
In June 2025, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dubai Metro Blue Line marked another milestone in the emirate's transportation evolution. Spanning 30 kilometers and comprising 14 stations, the new line will serve nine key districts projected to house over one million residents by 2040 according to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Once complete, Dubai's rail network will expand to 131 kilometers, comprising 78 stations and 168 trains.
The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, a vital hub in the network due to its strategic location near iconic landmarks, is undergoing major expansion to accommodate growing passenger demand. The station's area will expand from 6,700 to 8,500 square meters, boosting hourly capacity from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers—a 65 percent increase. Once complete, the station will serve up to 220,000 passengers daily, addressing the needs of the more than 10.5 million annual users recorded in 2024.
These infrastructure investments demonstrate the UAE's commitment to sustainable urban development and quality of life enhancement. Initial studies indicate that the Dubai Metro Blue Line project alone is projected to yield a benefit-cost ratio of 2.60 (AED 2.60 in benefits for every AED 1 spent) by 2040, with total anticipated benefits exceeding AED 56.5 billion. The project is expected to decrease traffic congestion on served routes by 20 percent and appreciate the value of land and properties near stations by up to 25 percent.
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Healthcare and Education Excellence
The UAE's investment in human capital through world-class healthcare and education systems represents a cornerstone of the nation's development strategy. Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, significant initiatives have been launched to establish the UAE as a global center for medical education and healthcare excellence.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), established under Sheikh Mohammed's directives, has become a beacon of modern knowledge and an incubator for innovation in the healthcare sector. In 2025, the university celebrated the graduation of 164 students representing 30 academic programmes across multiple colleges, including the first cohort from Dubai's only Biomedical Sciences PhD programme. This achievement demonstrates the UAE's commitment to developing highly skilled healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing the healthcare system.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that "the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences has become a beacon of modern knowledge and an incubator for innovation in the healthcare sector". The institution plays a vital role in preparing future leaders in medicine and scientific research, fully aligned with the vision to position the UAE as a global centre for knowledge and advanced healthcare.
The introduction of the Artificial Intelligence Literacy Framework (ALiF)—the first comprehensive framework developed in the UAE and the MENA region to advance AI literacy in professional environments—demonstrates the nation's forward-thinking approach to healthcare education. As Professor Alawi Alsheik-Ali, Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost at MBRU, noted: "As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how we live, learn, and care for one another, AI literacy has become essential".
Abu Dhabi's healthcare education landscape has also flourished, with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi becoming the first organization in the UAE to receive Provisional Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) as a provider of Continuing Medical Education (CME). The institution has received Arab Council accreditation for 10 specialties and continues to expand its graduate medical education programmes.
The Dubai Health Strategy 2021 and complementary initiatives reflect the government's commitment to leveraging technology for healthcare sector enhancement. These efforts, combined with substantial investments in medical infrastructure and education, position the UAE as a regional hub for healthcare excellence and medical innovation.
Digital Government and AI Integration
The UAE's transformation into the world's first fully AI-native government represents perhaps the most ambitious aspect of the nation's innovation agenda. The Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027, supported by an AED 13 billion investment, aims to make Abu Dhabi the world's first fully AI-native government by 2027.
His Excellency Ahmed Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, articulated the vision: "The Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027 reflects our leadership's vision of being an AI-native government, seamlessly integrating AI across all government systems for a future that is proactive, agile and fully technology-enabled". The strategy aims to establish robust digital infrastructure, achieving 100 percent adoption of sovereign cloud computing for government operations and digitising and automating 100 percent of processes.
Abu Dhabi has already deployed over 100 AI use cases across more than 40 government entities, transitioning from pilot projects to production-scale implementation. These systems demonstrate how AI can enhance government effectiveness through proactive service delivery, where AI monitors citizen and resident life events to predictively trigger relevant services without applications or forms; intelligent compliance using real-time analysis of business activities; smart resource allocation with machine learning predicting service demand; and multilingual access delivering seamless services in more than 15 languages.
The strategy is anticipated to contribute over AED 24 billion to Abu Dhabi's GDP by 2027 and create more than 5,000 employment opportunities supporting Emiratisation efforts. Through key partnerships with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence for upskilling, the Advanced Technology Research Council for large language models, and G42 for AI infrastructure development, Abu Dhabi is cementing its status as a global hub for digital governance and sustainable development.
The UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, launched in 2017, serves as the overarching framework for the nation's AI ambitions. As the first of its kind in the region and the world, the strategy aims to make the UAE "the world's most prepared country for AI". The strategy covers nine key sectors and operates through five themes: 100 percent reliance on AI for government services and data analysis by 2031; attracting and training talent for future AI-enabled jobs; bringing world-leading research capability to work with target industries; providing essential data and supporting infrastructure; and ensuring strong governance and effective regulation.
Humanitarian Leadership and Global Impact
The UAE's commitment to humanitarian aid and global development assistance reflects the values instilled by its founding leaders. As Sheikh Zayed once said, "Foreign aid and assistance is one of the basic pillars of our foreign policy. For we believe that there is no true benefit for us from the wealth that we have unless it does not also reach those in need, wherever they may be, and regardless of their nationality or beliefs".
Since its founding in 1971 until mid-2024, the UAE has provided more than $98 billion in foreign aid, underscoring its global leadership in making philanthropy a sustainable and inclusive effort. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the UAE continues to rank among the largest providers of official development assistance (ODA) relative to national income worldwide. From the start of 2021 to mid-2022 alone, the UAE provided over $3.5 billion in foreign aid to countries around the globe.
In 2025, the UAE ranked third globally for humanitarian aid, contributing US$1.46 billion in humanitarian assistance, representing 7.2 percent of all aid recorded through the Financial Tracking System. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, wrote: "The humanitarian work in the UAE is a fundamental pillar of the philanthropic approach adopted by the state since its establishment".
The UAE's humanitarian efforts extend to crisis response worldwide. Since 2023, the UAE has enhanced its leading role in supporting humanitarian causes globally, with particular focus on Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 in Gaza, delivering over 20,000 tons of urgent humanitarian aid through 104 convoys, four ships carrying 18,530 tons of essential supplies, and 259 airlifts transporting 5,340 tons of aid. The UAE has also allocated US$5 million to support polio vaccination campaigns, contributing to the immunization of 650,000 children in Gaza.
Beyond emergency relief, the UAE provides substantial development aid. The 2016 UAE Foreign Assistance Policy established the nation's long-term development cooperation plan towards eradicating poverty and promoting global peace and prosperity. Major recipients include Yemen, which received over $435 million since the start of 2021, building on more than $6 billion in humanitarian assistance since 2015. The UAE also contributed to a $2 billion pledge for economic support to the Central Bank of Yemen to stabilize the Yemeni economy.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Supreme Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, emphasized that "the UAE is built on values that prioritise human welfare and promote compassion, solidarity and fraternity". For several consecutive years, the UAE has ranked first globally as the largest donor of humanitarian aid relative to national income.
Vision 2071: Charting the Next 50 Years
Toward the Centennial: The Future in Focus
“Centennial 2071” is the lodestar guiding every initiative today: an ambitious framework to be the world’s happiest, most advanced, and cohesive nation. Visionary rulers like Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and Sheikh Hamdan inspire hope that transcends borders—heralding a new era of Emirati glory.
Who is Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE’s new president
The UAE Centennial 2071 plan, launched in 2017 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, represents the nation's bold roadmap for the next five decades. This comprehensive vision aims to make the UAE the best country in the world by its 100th anniversary, building upon the firm foundations laid by the founding fathers.
The Centennial plan rests on four pillars that guide the nation's long-term development. First, establishing a future-focused government with a long-term vision that anticipates and prepares for change, prioritising public needs while maintaining clear policy direction. Second, investing in education with focus on advanced IT, professionalism, and ethics in educational institutions to prepare Emiratis with skills needed for rapid technological and economic changes.
Third, establishing a diversified, globally competitive economy that moves beyond oil dependency and fosters sectors such as renewable energy, space exploration, and technology-driven industries. The UAE is already witnessing a boom in startups, fintech, and AI-driven enterprises, with the government encouraging entrepreneurship through initiatives like the UAE National AI Strategy 2031. Fourth, consolidating values of tolerance, social cohesion, and respect in society, promoting women's participation in all sectors, and focusing on community happiness and well-being.
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His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has emphasized that the UAE continues to build upon Sheikh Zayed's vision for a nation that epitomises "excellence, progress, and a far-reaching sense of purpose". President Sheikh Mohamed stated that the second of December "stands as a defining chapter in our nation's story" and represents "a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through unity, purpose, and unwavering belief in a shared future".
The "We the UAE 2031" vision, launched at the 2022 Government Annual Meetings, serves as the immediate roadmap ensuring the UAE stays on the development path for the next decade while building towards 2071. This plan aims to raise the country's GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade, supported by continued economic diversification, innovation, and human capital development.
By 2071, the UAE aspires to play a key role in peace-building initiatives, humanitarian aid, and climate change solutions, solidifying its reputation as a responsible global partner. The Environmental Centennial 2071, designed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, complements this vision with three main pathways: creating a vibrant emirate thriving in nature; building a green force resilient to climate change; and enabling future environmental leadership.
Current Leadership and Continued Progress
The UAE's 54th National Day celebrations in 2025 occur under the visionary leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose guidance continues the legacy of nation-building established by the founding fathers. In his National Day address, President Sheikh Mohamed called upon Emiratis to be at the heart of efforts to write the country's future, emphasizing that family stability and investment in future generations would be crucial to the UAE's continued rise on the global stage.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has consistently articulated a clear vision for the nation's development. At the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum, he directed that Dubai must become "the best, the most beautiful, the most refined, and the most civilized city in the world". This vision is being institutionalized through the establishment of the Dubai Civility Committee, chaired by Mohammed Al Gergawi with members including key government leaders, tasked with presenting "the most refined modern-day experience in the world".
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has emphasized that "guided by the vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the emirate is steadily reinforcing its position as a global hub for cutting-edge technologies and a major centre for digital business models and transformational initiatives". This commitment to innovation and digital transformation continues to drive the UAE's competitiveness on the global stage.
The year 2025 has been declared the Year of the Community, with 2026 designated as the Year of the Family, reflecting the leadership's belief that "strong families and cohesive communities remain the foundation of society". President Sheikh Mohamed stated: "We declared 2025 the Year of the Community, and, God willing, 2026 will be the Year of the Family. We believe that strong families and solid, cohesive communities remain the foundation of society".
A Nation of Possibilities
As the UAE celebrates its 54th National Day, the nation stands as a living testament to what visionary leadership, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to excellence can achieve. From the historic meeting at Al Sameeh in 1968 to the sophisticated, AI-powered government services of 2025, the UAE's journey represents one of the most remarkable national transformations in modern history.
The statistics tell a compelling story: a record 77.3 percent non-oil contribution to GDP; AED 2.3 trillion in foreign trade; over 200,000 new companies established in a single year; and consistently ranking among the world's top humanitarian donors. Yet beyond these impressive figures lie deeper achievements—a tolerant, cohesive society; world-class education and healthcare systems; pioneering space exploration; global leadership in renewable energy; and a reputation as a beacon of stability and progress in a turbulent region.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's words during the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations capture the essence of the UAE's journey: "On this day in 1971, our Founding Fathers laid the foundations of a unique model of unity in our region and the wider Arab world. History records it as the birth of the United Arab Emirates and the start of a remarkable journey to fulfil the aspirations of its people". The late Sheikh Zayed's vision—that there is no true benefit from wealth unless it reaches those in need—continues to guide the nation's domestic and international policies.
The UAE's transformation from desert communities to a global hub represents more than infrastructure and economic development. It embodies a philosophy of human-centered governance, where investment in people, education, healthcare, and quality of life takes precedence. As the nation looks toward its centennial in 2071, it does so with confidence, building upon solid foundations while remaining open to innovation, adaptation, and continuous improvement.
For investors, businesses, and those seeking professional property valuation services, the UAE's trajectory offers compelling opportunities. The nation's commitment to economic diversification, regulatory excellence, and long-term strategic planning creates an environment where ventures can flourish. Organizations like Credence & Co., providing comprehensive real estate and business valuation services across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat, play a vital role in this dynamic ecosystem, offering the expert technical opinion necessary for informed decision-making in this rapidly evolving market.
As Dubai Land Department continues to regulate and enhance the real estate sector, institutions like Dubai Land Department work alongside private sector partners to ensure transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in property markets—values that align with the UAE's broader national vision.
The story of the UAE over these 54 years is ultimately a story of human potential realized through unity, determination, and visionary leadership. It is a narrative that continues to unfold, inspiring nations worldwide and demonstrating that with clear vision, strategic execution, and commitment to shared prosperity, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality. As President Sheikh Mohamed stated, the UAE represents "a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through unity, purpose, and unwavering belief in a shared future"—a reminder that resonates not only for Emiratis but for all who witness this remarkable nation's continuing journey toward excellence.
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