Zayed’s vision has shaped UAE into a regional powerhouse
By Sagar Vijaykumar, Grade 11
Though he was born into a royal family, Shaikh Zayed led a life of simplicity.
He grew up in Al Ain city, received his education from the local traditional teacher, enjoyed falconry and played in the Qasr Al Hosn.
Living in the sweltering desert instilled patience, resilience, self-reliance and determination in Shaikh Zayed while observing interactions between his father and the tribes, which taught him the art of diplomacy, problem-solving and humanitarianism. First, he became the representative of the Emirate’s Ruler in the Eastern Region in 1946 and deftly oversaw the development of Al Ain. Then, as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, he used oil revenues to fund social and economic infrastructural development.
- Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan
When the British announced their withdrawal from the Trucial States in 1971, Shaikh Zayed tabled a proposal to establish a union.
Even though the unification met with some obstacles, Shaikh Zayed’s diplomacy overcame them to facilitate the birth of a new nation, the United Arab Emirates.
And the rest as they say is history.
The Year of Zayed celebrates the outstanding achievements of a visionary who shaped a regional powerhouse of a country that is guided by the values of “respect, vision, sustainability and human development”.
Let us all celebrate Year of Zayed by learning about him and following his ideals.
Hydroponics is the future
Inspired by Zayed, school’s Environment Club is growing plants without soil or fertilisers
By Aishwarya Ramya, Grade 11
However, if each of us fulfils our duties towards keeping the earth healthy, we would all be living more comfortable lives.
His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the man who saw the spring of life in this country whose 75% land was desert. We have seen the land grow from sandy dunes into a concrete marvel. Shaikh Zayed’s respect for the environment has made the job of fulfilling our duties a lot easier.
His foresight for UAE to grow into the fastest growing green countries of the world has inspired the Environment Club at Ambassador School to initiate a school garden by use of hydroponics from May 2017. Hydroponics is the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil. Soilless cultivation minimises the use of harsh chemicals needed to fertilize soil; it does not depend on the climate or season and can be installed indoors.
Hydroponic farms physically take less space (and can be even vertical), are fully controlled remotely and often require less human labour. Secondly, hydroponic farming yields more vegetables and herbs in a shorter time. Its carbon footprint is minimal as the greens are grown locally. This method of growing plants is extremely low-maintenance, efficient, and environmentally-friendly.
Human resources true wealth of UAE
Zayed’s efforts have led to UAE being ranked first in region and 32nd globally in Human Development Index
By Shriti Shah, Grade 11
One of the prestigious awards conferred on him was the ‘Man of development and progress” by the Arab League for his efforts in setting up development projects in the UAE and other developing nations.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has worked in collaboration with the UAE Government to expand job opportunities for both men and women and ensure the development of human resources in tandem with the demands of the economy. It has also included measures to strengthen the connection between education and sustainable employment.
Due to these collective efforts, the UAE has ranked first in the region and 32nd globally in the Human Development Index (HDI).
The UAE’s HDI value has increased by 30 per cent since 1980, based on consistent time series data and indicators. The report shows that life expectancy at birth since 1980 has risen from 67.5 to 77.7 years.
The number of years spent in school has risen 33.7 per cent since 1980.
The report showed what has been achieved in the UAE since 1971 and testified to Shaikh Zayed’s vision and served as distinct proof of his committment an all-round development.
As Shaikh Zayed said, “The spirit of all this is man, the man who is capable with his mind, resources, art and determination to preserve those achievements and push further.”
Meet the editorial team of Ambassador School
Shriti M. Shah, Grade 11
I am an avid debater and like to spend my spare time listening to music. My interests include playing basketball, singing songs and reading books and newspapers.
Krish Nair, Grade 11
I have lived in the UAE for about 13 years and witnessed its growth, which inspires me to make a difference in the world.
Ujjay Jayashankar, Grade 11
I will be moving to Canada to pursue my dream of studying engineering. I enjoy playing chess, cricket, basketball and many other sports.
Anandita Bali, Grade 11
Reading, writing and acting are only a handful of my plethora of interests. My passion of writing is what encouraged me to write an article for the Young Editor’s contest.
Rohit Shabu, Grade 11
I am an avid reader, love oration and extempore speaking. I enjoy attending leadership and entrepreneurship workshops.
Aishwarya Ramya, Grade 11
Any kind of art form attracts me, be it fine arts or performances.
