A righteous leader

“To treat every person, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul, is a mark of Islam.” — Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The former president of the UAE definitely practised what he preached. Shaikh Zayed was a role model for many, especially in the matters of respect. He treated all people with the utmost respect, regardless of their gender, religion, status or nationality. This led to the creation of the diverse society that UAE is today.

Shaikh Zayed’s high regard for this moral earned him a lot of respect. In order to honour him, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared the year 2018 as the Year of Zayed to commemorate Shaikh Zayed’s 100th birth anniversary.

Shaikh Khalifa said that this reflects the unique standing that the UAE founding father has with every Emirati. Consistent with the values espoused by Shaikh Zayed, it is intended that the Year of Zayed include people of every race, faith, gender or social status in a series of events.