'People cried when Zayed died'

Dubai: People, trees and even grains of sand cried when Shaikh Zayed passed away.

This was how one of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan's close companions described the late President on the eve of his second death anniversary.

Shaikh Salem Bin Musallam Bin Ham was one of the people who accompanied Shaikh Zayed since he was the Ruler of Al Ain.

Shaikh Zayed had a strong foresight, said Bin Ham. "Back in the 50's, people hid their money in cloth bags at their houses. Shaikh Zayed told me that a time would come when I do not need to carry my money around, but would find it when I needed it.

"I thought that was impossible, but now I know it was true, since we have banks all over the country," Bin Ham said.

"He considered the UAE's people as his children. He felt directly responsible for them. He cared for plants and trees as well. He used to stop by withered trees and attend to them. He turned the desert into a garden, and performed a miracle. This is why people, trees and even sand grains cried when Shaikh Zayed passed away," he added.

Salem Bin Ebrahim Al Saman talked about his move from Ras Al Khaimah to Abu Dhabi in 1961, and the first time he met Shaikh Zayed.

"Shaikh Zayed was standing by the Falcons Club, near the current Al Maqta Bridge, and he offered to help me since my car was stuck in the sand on my way to Abu Dhabi, which was a desert island," recalled Al Saman.

"After Shaikh Zayed became Ruler of Abu Dhabi, I always visited him upon his orders. We used to meet every day," Al Saman said.

"History will remember that Shaikh Zayed did not have a house of his own when he became Ruler of Abu Dhabi. He always stressed that the comfort and well-being of his citizens was the true aim, and made me responsible for the affairs of the emirate's tribes.

"What I learned from Shaikh Zayed is much more than anyone could learn from universities. He taught us politeness, respect, wisdom, honesty, generosity as well as humour and kindness.

"I remember once Shaikh Zayed was passing by the National Consultative Council as I was leaving. I went to greet him, and as I was extending my hand, he reached out and took off my sunglasses.

"He asked me to take them off when I greet him, and put them back on afterwards. This is how he used to teach us good manners and respect.

"Things started to change shortly after Shaikh Zayed became Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the emirate was becoming organised.

"However, one thing that did not change was his keen interest in his people. He used to receive people every day, listen to them, and help them solve their problems."