Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s achievements will remain in the annals of history and the hearts of Emiratis for centuries to come. He was wise and humane and he will be remembered for his generosity, justice and wisdom, Emiratis say.
To mark the anniversary of the death of the late founding father and recognise his role in the UAE’s humanitarian excellence, Emiratis recalled his legacy, they said Shaikh Zayed would remain in their hearts forever.
“Ramadan 19 should not be the only day we honour Shaikh Zayed,” says Abdullah Al Muhairi, secretary-general of the Zakat Fund. “Every day, we should remember his great achievements. He created a complete history of charity, good deeds and values, that are relevant locally and internationally.
“Shaikh Zayed was not an ordinary person. He was a great leader, father, brother and teacher to his nation. He established a great modern civilisation and his memory will remain alive forever. It is true that he has departed from the world; however, his spirit remains with the people,” he added.
Another Emirati remarked on Shaikh Zayed’s huge influence in fostering goodness.
“When you observe the UAE, the first thing that comes to mind is the inspiring vision and the accomplishments of Shaikh Zayed, who widened the country’s reach beyond its borders,” says Khalaf Abdullah Rahma Al Hammadi, director-general, Abu Dhabi Retirement Pensions and Benefits Fund. “It’s not just commercial success that set the tone for our progress, it was also his compassion,” he said.
“He built schools and houses while feeding and nourishing the disadvantaged or the needy. He set the template for humanitarian work, making the UAE always one of the first countries to come to the aid of those in need,” he added.
Shaikh Zayed, says Al Hammadi, sowed the seeds of love in the hearts of the UAE people. “More people are participating in humanitarian work and unhesitatingly donating money, their time and effort, whenever the need arises. This is only because of Shaikh Zayed’s vision and values.”
Seddiq Khajah, who was born in 1943, said the wisdom of Shaikh Zayed and his deep faith in diplomacy and Shura (a consultative decision-making process) were prominent traits of his personality. “I can never forget his championing of the Palestinian cause during the October 1973 war, when the UAE imposed a total oil boycott on the West. His famous words, ‘Arab oil is not dearer than Arab blood’ still rings in my mind,” said Khajah. “My parents accompanied Shaikh Zayed for the Quran memorisation sessions. I am at loss for words when describing him. Zayed’s achievements cannot be counted.”
