The president of the United Arab Emirates said on Wednesday the Gulf OPEC producer would continue to support global energy security as a main driver of global economic growth.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, in his first televised address since becoming president in May, also said the UAE would extend a "hand of friendship" to all countries that share values of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

The economy of the UAE, a trade and tourism hub, was "thriving and continues to grow at an impressive rate", he said, adding that a key strategic focus was to diversify it further.

(With input from Reuters)