Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed hails humanitarian vision of Sheikh Zayed

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi paid tribute to his father on Zayed Humanitarian Day

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding President, on the Eiffel Tower in 1951. Courtesy Victor Hashem Family Collection

Sheikh Zayed on a visit to New York in April, 1957. Courtesy National Archives

Sheikh Zayed arrives at Heathrow Airport, London, at the start of his first official visit to Britain in 1969. Tim Graham / Fox Photos /Getty Images

Sheikh Zayed is escorted to his seat for Trooping the Colour in London in 1969. AP Photo

Sheikh Zayed with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, London. Tim Graham / Fox Photos / Getty Images

King Hussein of Jordan is recieved by Sheikh Zayed in 1974. Courtesy Al Ittihad

Sheikh Zayed and Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. Courtesy National Archives

Sheikh Zayed during his tour of Taj Mahal in Agra, India, in January 1975. Courtesy National Archives

Sheikh Zayed and Queen Elizabeth II at the 1979 opening of Le Meridien Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Le Meridien

Zaki Nusseibeh, centre, on the red carpet with French president Valéry Giscard d’Estaing and Sheikh Zayed at the start of a state visit in 1980. Al Ittihad

Sheikh Zayed with British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher in 1989. Thatcher would visit the UAE again in the 1990s. Press Association

Sheikh Zayed during his visit to China in 1990. Courtesy National Archives

Sheikh Zayed awards the "Order of Zayed" to South African president Nelson Mandela on the 1995 visit to the UAE. Courtesy National Archives

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, paid warm tribute to the vision of 'kindness and compassion' laid down by his father, Sheikh Zayed.

On Zayed Humanitarian Day - held each year on the 19th day of Ramadan to mark the anniversary of the death of the Founding Father - Sheikh Mohamed said he had left behind a legacy felt across the globe.

He said Sheikh Zayed sought to offer support to people of all faiths and races - and highlighted the importance of following in his footsteps.

"On Zayed Humanitarian Day we honour the generosity of our Founding Father, God rest his soul," said Sheikh Mohamed.

"His philanthropic efforts extended across the world, regardless of faith or race, and on this day we renew our efforts to walk along his path of kindness and compassion for all."

Hessa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, said Zayed Humanitarian Day offered an opportunity to reflect on the values instilled by Sheikh Zayed.

She described the country's first president as a "pioneer of humanitarian giving" who established a country in which subsequent generations have made "greater efforts in making good deeds, giving and solidarity with others".

She said the work of the Ministry of Community Development was a fitting tribute to the harmonious spirit of Sheikh Zayed.

''The MoCD, based on the principles of achieving family cohesion and community coherence, continues to support the solidarity and cohesion of the nation and people at various times, especially during the current circumstances, where the sense of responsibility is multiplied by everyone,'' she said.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra region and Chairman of Emirates Red Crescent, said the pivotal role played by the UAE in helping other nations during the Covid-19 pandemic showed the far-reaching impact of Sheikh Zayed's leadership.

"These achievements made by the UAE in this regard are a natural result of cumulative experiences in humanitarian and voluntary work and a long journey of giving and generosity, the foundations of which were laid by the late Sheikh Zayed," said Sheikh Hamdan.

He said President Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, continued to champion this cause.

"Sheikh Zayed took a unique approach in supporting the causes of people and alleviating their suffering caused by conflicts, disasters and unrest that claimed the lives of millions," Sheikh Hamdan added.

"Thanks to his efforts and generous initiatives, the UAE occupied a remarkable position in the fields of charitable and humanitarian work regionally and internationally."