"When we talk about Sheikh Zayed, we need more evenings. The best thing could be said about Sheikh Zayed is that he was a global humanitarian and development leader."
This ascription of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, about the late founding father of the nation, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan summarizes the myriad attributions and qualities found in his unmatched personality.
The distinguished qualities of our Father of Nation include, but not limited to, leadership novelty, generosity, tender, humility, simplicity and great behaviour. He earned the love of his nation in addition to the admiration of local and international communities.
With his insightful vision, wide horizons of eloquent thinking and brilliant outlook for the future, Sheikh Zayed realized the significance of the vital necessity of union in order to achieve the nation’s ambitions and aspirations.
Since the announcement of the independence of the UAE under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed, it has witnessed unparalleled development and quality leaps in various economic, social, educational and health areas. In a short period of time, the UAE has acquired a highly competitive position and become a global model on many grounds.
The example of giving, deep-rooted noble and humanitarian values taught by our father have pioneered the UAE in the field of humanitarian work at the global level. The humanitarian projects and initiatives undertaken by the country in a number of fundamental fields in different developing and poor countries are the best evidence for the UAE’s commitment to the human rights and sustainable development. The new generation has inherited this noble quality and adopted the humanitarian work as a lifestyle and civilized conduct.
The UAE has continued this legacy under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , the UAE Vice President , Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their brothers the rulers of emirates. Our wise leadership has invested money and efforts in order to achieve the happiness and stability and provide a high level of comfort, prosperity and good life for all who live on this land.
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has declared 2018 the "Year of Zayed" in the United Arab Emirates. The initiative aims to mark 100 years since the birth of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed's Accession Day - the day he assumed leadership in Abu Dhabi on 6th August 1966.
Since the establishment of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan has endeavoured to integrate the concept of the close relationship between environmental sustainability and development in the minds of his people in order to teach them that the economic prosperity requires the harmonization of environmental conservation and sustainable development. Sheikh Zayed said: "We have been committed to the principle of coexistence between man and nature. Though our rapid population growth and ambitious programs require more resources, we have tried to achieve this in a way that ensures continuity and renovation,"
The UAE has all the resources to respond to climate change and protect the environment successfully. It continues the path of economic development by taking advantage of the currently available opportunities to contribute to building a more sustainable and happy future for our future generations.
I conclude with the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, "We are fine as long as our homeland is united."