On April 17, 2008, the first edition of The National rolled off the presses here in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Was it one of the last launches of a sizeable English-language newspaper? So far, it seems it might have been.

I am unaware of another newspaper of this size and scope — more than 160 people, from 23 countries, in the newsroom for the launch, more than 200 staffers now — starting up since that date.

We were not here for the first 18 months of The National’s existence — only 50 people (six in sports) remain from Day 1 — but it must have been great fun.

Birthday No. 5 was celebrated in print today, with a special section that included the mugshots and recollections of the 50 original staffers still here, as well as a ceremony in the office this afternoon with the CEO and publisher. Above, our executive editor Hassan Fattah addressed the newsroom. Kind words were uttered. Applause rang out.

Cupcakes with the number “5” on them were distributed, as were heavy, ceramic cups branded with the “The National” for drinking coffee — or bludgeoning someone. (A party is planned for Friday night.)

I have worked here for exactly 70 percent (3.5 years, to the day) of the newspaper’s history, and I am proud to have played a part. Those who have been here from the start feel a particular kinship; most of them saved a copy of that first edition.

Somewhere early in the newspaper’s history, the notion of “The New York Times of the Middle East” was attached to The National, as a self-description, and almost from the first day outside journalists, many of them with a bit too much glee, have gone to great lengths to demonstrate it is not.

The odd thing is, no one is quite sure where the original “NYT of the Middle East” claim came from. No one here said it, far as I can tell.

I am confident in saying, however, The National is certainly as good as any English-language newspaper in the region. I have yet to find one better, but I have not yet seen them all.

In terms of resources and breadth and professionalism, it is hard to imagine who is doing better newspapering, in English, this side of the British Isles.

Instead of focusing on what The National is not, it is useful to recognize what it is — a full-color, four-section daily with a brief to cover the major topics of our time, as well as this remarkable place, and to do so in a professional manner, with an emphasis on good writing with plenty of comment and opinion — in a manner unknown elsewhere in this region.

Happy 5th birthday, The National. I wish you many more.