President Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan left his imprint on every aspect of the UAE's economic progress during his more than three decade tenure, according to industry captains.
It was this emphasis that transformed the UAE from an oil-driven economy to a well diversified one and a role model for other countries, they added.
This is amply attested by the sheer popularity that the departed leader enjoyed in the rest of the Arab world and beyond.
Mohammad Omran, acting president and chief executive of Etisalat, said: "Shaikh Zayed was the role model of a great leader who dedicated his entire life to the development of his nation and the welfare of his people. We remember his unlimited giving and loyalty. His departure is a great loss to the emirates and the Arab and Muslim nations."
And who can forget his steadfast ideal to have a multi-faceted economy where UAE nationals and expatriates alike participate in it and enjoy the benefits of his farsightedness. The creation of an infrastructure built on fair values for all has attracted entrepreneurs from all over the world.
"The UAE economy is so independent of what it is perceived to be internationally… one driven by oil," said Jayant Ganwani, chief executive officer of Lal's Group.
"Under his stewardship, other pillars have been easily added such as retail, trade, tourism and technology. It was his sense of farsightedness and fairness that will be remembered for ever and led to the UAE being the melting pot that it is now.
"Entrepreneurs took the cue and sectors just followed in meeting the requirements of this melting pot. This is all due to the wise leadership and sagacity of Shaikh Zayed."
Enduring image
Leading industry insiders who had the opportunity meet him was also left with an enduring image.
"I had the good fortune to meet Shaikh Zayed and every time I was immensely impressed by the vision he had for the country. During his presidency, the UAE became a key player in the comity of nations," said B.R. Shetty, managing director of NMC Group.
"The economic progress of the last three decades and more has been charted by his stewardship of the nation from inception.
"Shaikh Zayed has been gracious to all UAE nationals and expatriates."
Despite his departure, the country's next generation has his well-trodden path to follow. Sectors such as technology saw a wave of young nationals taking it up as their educational base and as professions.
"Shaikh Zayed laid the foundation for the UAE, and brought the whole nation to take its place in the world as an example of enlightened and visionary development," said Samer Shaar, general manager of IBM in the Middle East, Egypt and Pakistan. "His leadership has inspired the generation of nationals that is the hope for the country's future. His memory will live on in their achievements.
"On behalf of IBM, having worked with these young people in the government and private sector alike, I can say that his legacy is a proud one and these achievements will endure."
"Shaikh Zayed was the father of the nation and a great leader of the Arab world. His departure is a loss for the country and the region," said Abdul Latif Al Mulla, general manager of Microsoft South Gulf.
"The Arab world will feel a great loss with the departure of Shaikh Zayed," said Gilbert Lacroix, vice-president and general manager of Computer Associates.
According to Joseph Ghossoub, chief executive officer at The Holding Group and global president elect of the International Advertising Agencies Association, "Shaikh Zayed has been an inspiration for all communication professionals in the region,"
"By communicating with global communities, he has built the international stature of the UAE and gained respect for its openness and transparency. He was a leader not only for the UAE but for the entire Arab world."
