Abu Dhabi: Members of the Federal National Council paid tribute to Shaikh Zayed on the tenth anniversary of his death and reiterated that he will be remembered forever because of his good deeds and his rich legacy of great achievements.
Ahmad Mohammad Al Jarwan, Speaker of the Arab Parliament and member of the FNC, said Shaikh Zayed had tirelessly worked to establish the UAE and bring about Arab solidarity. He was not only a national leader but a widely respected Arab and world statesman. “Shaikh Zayed kept promoting the virtues of reason and dialogue in the Arab world and across the globe. His name will remain closely associated with the cause of peace and development domestically, regionally and internationally,” Al Jarwan said.
“Shaikh Zayed — the leader, the wise and the father of the nation — is still with us because he departed this world in form only; his soul, wisdom and achievements will endure forever,” Al Jarwan said.
“We pray to Almighty Allah that his soul rests in peace as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of Shaikh Zayed, the father who loved his sons and people and devoted his life to the service of his nation,” he said.
Ali Jasem, a veteran member of the House from Umm Al Quwain, said Shaikh Zayed was respected around the world for his unifying influence and his drive to make all the emirates one nation.
“The Arab world misses Shaikh Zayed’s wise voice at this time of turmoil when a bold stance is needed. Shaikh Zayed was a genuine and undisputed Arab leader who diligently worked to achieve Arab solidarity bridging the gaps between conflicting parties. His calls for cooperation extended across the Arabian Gulf. Shaikh Zayed advocated dialogue as the means to settle rows between countries. Shaikh Zayed did not shy away from controversy when it came to expressing his opinion on current events in the Arab world. Troubled by the suffering of Iraqi civilians, he took the lead in calling for lifting sanctions on Iraq imposed by the United Nations in the aftermath of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, despite Kuwaiti displeasure and opposition.”
Ali Eisa Al Nuaimi, a member from Ajman, said Shaikh Zayed’s memory “remains in our hearts and those of peoples across the globe”.
Al Nuaimi spoke about the late leader and said his wise leadership stemmed from the fact that he identified himself so closely with his people. He said Shaikh Zayed competed with his people in a demonstration of loyalty to the UAE.
“Shaikh Zayed never spared a moment without thinking of the welfare of his people. He never closed his doors to citizens, and always emphasised the fact that democracy meant normal daily gatherings between the ruler and the people,” Al Nuaimi said.
“Whether for 10 years, decades or forever, the memory of Shaikh Zayed and his life will remain immortal throughout history and among mankind, not only because of his great achievements as a visionary leader and founder who held his Arab and Islamic nation in his heart but also because he shared the morals of our noble ancestors.”
Dr Abdul Rahim Al Shaheen, a member from Ras Al Khaimah, said Shaikh Zayed (may God have mercy on him), was one of the most prominent leaders of the 20th century. “He was, through his consistent, continuous and untiring initiatives, able to establish a Federal State comprising seven emirates, where high in the sky the flag of Federation rises and where security, order, discipline and justice gained prevalence and prevailed.”
He added Shaikh Zayed’s wise vision was reflected in many of his multi-unitary achievements in the Arabian Gulf region, particularly in contributing to the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as in the context of the issues of economic entities, humanitarian, social and Arab and Islamic organisations. “At the international level, Shaikh Zayed gained the respect and admiration of the leaders of the world, for he never stopped calling for world peace and justice.”
Dr Shaikh Mohammad Bin Ham Al Ameri, a member from Abu Dhabi, said Shaikh Zayed was an exemplary visionary who led the UAE Federation from its birth and changed the face of the country from a desert settlement to a modern nation.
“Shaikh Zayed dedicated his entire life to the well-being of his people, creating an unmatched image of the UAE in the world,” Dr Shaikh Mohammad said.
He added that “on the 10th anniversary of his death, we pray to Allah that Shaikh Zayed’s soul is resting in peace and we promise to carry his legacy in our consciences and minds and to pass it on to our sons and grandsons and cultivate it as we would a fruit-bearing plant that will benefit future generations, under the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.
“Our pride, admiration and respect will remain forever for Shaikh Zayed, whom Allah rewarded with love of his people and the peoples of the world as his generosity crossed the borders of the UAE to the entire world,” Dr Shaikh Mohammad said.
Dr Mona Al Bahar, a member from Dubai, said Shaikh Zayed’s memory will live on forever due to his immeasurable achievements.
Shaikh Zayed founded the only successful union among his kinsmen, as other experiments elsewhere, including the European Union, are shaken. “The UAE’s union was founded on love that bonded the people and its leadership in an unprecedented way,” Dr Mona said.
Dr Mona said Shaikh Zayed was a great environmentalist who always believed that Man has a duty to preserve the environment not merely for today’s generation, but for future generations as well. “Shaikh Zayed’s vision always extended beyond the borders of the UAE and prioritised moral values, as reflected in his untiring support for charity and philanthropy all over the world,” she said.
