'Leaders are following path of visionary Zayed'

Abu Dhabi: The founding father of the UAE, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, shouldered the responsibility of building the firm bases upon which the UAE was established, a report by the Culture and Media Office of Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President's Representative, said.

The report, issued on the fifth anniversary of Shaikh Zayed's death, said the president raced time to lay out plans and implement projects. This turned the UAE into a hub of development.

The greatness of the federation achievement lies in Shaikh Zayed's understanding of the region's history and his will, which he derived from the UAE's deeply-rooted culture.

The president and his brothers, the rulers of the emirates, agreed to establish a unified country. This is clear evidence of the leaders' wisdom and emphasises their belief in the unity of their land and people.

The report underscored Shaikh Zayed's achievements in integrated development. Education, health facilities and various industries were set up all over the UAE, which enabled him to establish a prosperous country that enjoys good relations and plays a vital Arab and international role.

Shaikh Zayed emphasised the need for people to treat each other with tolerance and to resort to dialogue instead of confrontation.

Dr Hamad Ali, Shaikh Sultan's media adviser, said Shaikh Zayed is remembered as a wise leader.

"When we look at the UAE's integrated civilisation, we remember the outstanding character of Shaikh Zayed, who was a role model in ambition and giving for the best of his nation and mankind in general," Ali said.

"To immortalise the memory of Shaikh Zayed, we are all required to protect his achievements and follow his route, which is the method adopted by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the emirates," he added.

Focus on achievements

The National Rehabilitation Centre held an evening to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the death of the founding father of the UAE, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The event, titled "Remembering Shaikh Zayed: The Symbol of Giving", was dedicated to highlighting achievements of Shaikh Zayed.

Dr Hamad Abdullah Al Gaferi, director general of the centre, said that Shaikh Zayed will remain the inspiring leader whose people will work towards development and prosperity.

The centre provides curative and rehabilitation services to drug addicts.