Dubai: The memory of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the father of the nation, continues to remain close to the hearts of its citizens.
Throughout his life, Shaikh Zayed endeavoured to reform the country and place the UAE on the world map, and in the process he enriched the lives of his people and those across the Arab world.
Commemorating the 10th anniversary of Shaikh Zayed’s death, Emiratis say his legacy and generosity are thriving, as are his achievements, leadership and vision which have become an integral part of the UAE’s pursuit of excellence in all fields.
Gulf News asked Emiratis of different ages to recall their memories of Shaikh Zayed and his outstanding leadership of the UAE.
Yaseen Samatar, 34, from Abu Dhabi
“Shaikh Zayed was the greatest president, father, leader, and legend. Under his guardianship, we developed from living in a barren desert to becoming one of the most advanced and prosperous nations while keeping our culture and values intact. He was not only considered to be the father of the UAE, he was also a fatherly figure for all Muslim countries due to his caring nature and charity.
“He took care of his people as if they were his children, and his palace doors were always open. Due to his vision, hard work and dedication, the UAE is united and the new generation of rulers are gracefully following in his footsteps in taking the country io new horizons of advancement, happiness and prosperity. History will remember him as one of the greatest Muslim leaders of all time.
“It was an honour for me and my family to have met him, as my father used to see Shaikh Zayed every day, and that is why he is still alive in my heart.”
Fatima Al Beloushi, 29, from Ajman
“Throughout Shaikh Zayed’s life, he single-handedly raised the profile of the UAE to become one of the most prominent nations, due to his endeavours and generosity.
“Shaikh Zayed is still alive in the minds and hearts of the people of the UAE and Arab and Muslim nations, and his name still rings strong whenever his deeds are mentioned in international arenas. He will remain the man who founded the state, strengthened the Union, established institutions, and endowed them with the power and capability to continue serving the people and guaranteeing their welfare.
“We lost a leader, a father and a teacher. Shaikh Zayed still lives in our hearts and minds, and touched our lives and made us strong. His vision of a better world to live in has inspired us all, and his legacy will be passed on for generations to come,” she said.
Khalid Jasem, 46, from Dubai
“Besides being a leader of the United Arab Emirates who was involved in developing the country by enhancing the overall improvement in every aspect in internal and external foreign affairs, he was a great humanitarian. He individually dealt with the requirements of people of all ages, be it children, men, women, or senior citizens. Shaikh Zayed understood and fulfilled everybody’s needs and desires without differentiating between local tribes, their background, nationality or race.
”Every element surrounding him, humans, trees, mountains, desert, and sea, were important to him and integrated with his thinking to work towards the country’s progress. Today, the UAE is internationally recognised because of his great personality.”
Saeed Al Reyami, 25, Abu Dhabi
“He was a very kind leader, not only to Emiratis but to everybody, and he made us proud to be ruled by him. He used to consider us all as his children and his family, not as strangers. He was somebody we looked up to, and he was our role model.
“You can say we are living a dream because of him, as he gave free housing for Emiratis and many other forms of assistance that last to this day. He was a very charitable man.
“It was also common to see him around a lot. I met him three times and, whenever you needed anything, you knew you could go directly to see him and that he would deal with the situation.”
Moza Al Yammahi, 27, Fujairah
“Whenever I look at the world map and find a small country that was divided into seven emirates and named ‘The United Arab Emirates’, I remember Shaikh Zayed. And whenever the word ‘unity’ is mentioned, it always reminds me of the spirit of the union — Zayed. There have been violent circumstances experienced by some Arab countries, and when people around the world heard about this violence they said there was a need for humanity. Arabs illustrated that there is a need for Zayed because not only was he the symbol of humanity, he was a symbol of the highest degree of humanity.”
Habeeb Al Rajabi, 31, Dubai
“The first thing that comes to mind when remembering Shaikh Zayed is how the streets of Abu Dhabi went dark on the night they announced the sad news of our father, the late President, passing away, even though the street lights were on. Amongst other achievements, he was a leader with a vision, a hero with endless energy and a father who cared about his people.
“He was wise with his political decisions as he always ensured peace within the nation and with neighbouring countries. A lot of his decisions and achievements are lessons for us and for the future generations to come. One of his most famous quotes was: ‘The people of the UAE are my children… I am shocked to hear UAE nationals living in rent [rented accommodation]!’
“He ensured every UAE national had a home. Another of his quotes I am fond of is, ‘People will be known, appreciated and have a good reputation within society based on their hard work and achievements.’”
