ABU DHABI // The ambition, vision and wisdom of the UAE’s Founding Father were remembered and treasured by the country’s Rulers and officials, who said his example would always be an inspiration to the nation.
Tributes were paid to Sheikh Zayed to mark Zayed Humanitarian Day, which falls on the 19th day of Ramadan every year.
On the anniversary of the passing of the country’s first President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted in Arabic: “The beginning was of Zayed ... And generosity and giving have another name ... They are called Zayed.”
The Founding Father’s decision to create a nation built on tolerance was touched on by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
“Sheikh Zayed had a heart full of hope and ambition and confidence in the ability of the sons of the UAE to build a nation dominated by values of tolerance and service to humanity,” the Crown Prince tweeted in Arabic.
“The vision of Zayed and his humanitarian positions will continue for all generations to draw from, to formulate their present and make their future and they are an inspiration to others.
“We will remain true to that insightful vision, determined to continue in the footsteps of the fathers and grandfathers towards progress and pride for the nation of good and giving.”
Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, deputy chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, praised Sheikh Zayed’s generosity, patriotism, sacrifice and love for humanity.
“On this day and every day, we miss you as a noble leader and compassionate father whose insight and wisdom continue to inspire us and serve as our guiding light,” Sheikh Hazza said.
Zayed Humanitarian Day was established to remember the late leader and continue his humanitarian legacy, he said, describing it as deep-rooted in the culture of Emirati society and a pillar in the UAE’s relations with the rest of the world, which were being upheld by President Sheikh Khalifa.
The Minister of State for Youth, Ohould Al Roumi, focused on how the country had gained from Sheikh Zayed’s leadership.
“As we mark the anniversary of Sheikh Zayed’s death we summon a tall national stature,” she tweeted, adding that his memory was rooted in the principles of unity, solidarity and “strengthened the values of giving, happiness and positivity”.
“Thanks to his wisdom, Sheikh Zayed has given the greatest lessons in leadership and vision of the future ... Since the first moments, he has embarked on establishing the union to achieve happiness for his nation and people,” she said.
The late Sheikh Zayed’s charitable and humanitarian efforts were also remembered.
His philanthropic deeds were not limited to the UAE but spilled into all Arab countries and beyond, said Ahmed Al Jarwan, speaker of the Arab Parliament.
“All Arabs respect and love this historical figure,” he said. “Sheikh Zayed’s insightful vision for a unified state has transformed the UAE into a national and pan-Arab model to realise the aspirations for prosperity and development.”
The UAE continued to make progress as a nation because of the legacy left behind by the Founding Father, Mr Al Jarwan said.
The current leadership of the country, Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, continued to uphold the legacy of prosperity and growth left behind by the late founder of the state, he said.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority also expressed its gratitude to Sheikh Zayed, saying: “He who doesn’t know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn.”
The Masdar Institute, meanwhile, said that it carried forward his visionary dedication to advance education.
anwar@thenational.ae