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Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, and Mr Ian Fairservice of Motivate Publishing. Image Credit: Supplied

Abu Dhabi: The book ‘Father of Our Nation: Collected Quotes of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’ was recently presented to Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, in Abu Dhabi.

Published by Motivate, with support from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Father of Our Nation celebrates the thoughts and ideas at the heart of Shaikh Zayed’s legacy.

The Arabic and English language coffee-table book features rare historical and contemporary photographs and quotations that cover the themes of environment, heritage, education and progress, leadership, nation, values, and women.

“This first-of-its-kind book is an important addition to the UAE’s story, recording the extraordinary vision and wisdom of Shaikh Zayed for generations to come,” said Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor-in-chief of Motivate Media Group.

“The book is dedicated to the leaders of the UAE and serves as a celebration of the extraordinary journey of the nation so far, and as a guide for the way ahead. We are proud to be able to bring this book to audiences as a natural extension of our long-standing enthusiasm for the preservation of the UAE’s heritage.”

Father of Our Nation was also presented to Lt-General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the UAE, at the 2017 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

It has been selected the book of the month at Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports, as well as at Magrudy’s, Relay, Borders, Carrefour, Kinokuniya, Jarir Bookstores, Jashanmal and Virgin Megastores.

Dr Omar Abdul Rahman Al Nuaimi, assistant undersecretary for communication and international relations at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said: “Father of Our Nation embodies the wise words of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and preserves them for this generation and for posterity. We are proud to support this book and encourage everyone to read and treasure the wisdom within. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has encouraged this project from the outset and commends the wisdom of Shaikh Zayed to all UAE nationals, residents and visitors.”

Prominent UAE commentator, businessman and author Khalaf Al Habtoor has praised the book. “I encourage everyone to get a copy of this book as it is truly inspiring. The wisdom of the late Shaikh Zayed is one of a kind and it is important that we learn from him in order to succeed.”

He picked out one of Shaikh Zayed’s quotes in particular: “A true leader thinks of his people as members of his own family. He cares for them and looks after them at all times.”

Al Habtoor continued to say: “If only the Arab leaders followed his path, the Arab world would be a much better place. Thank God, in the UAE we have the best leaders in the world who prioritise the comfort of citizens.”

Priced at Dh95, the book is available at all leading bookstores in the region, and on www.booksarabia.com.