We all share a home built by Zayed

We have much to give thanks for and remember this Zayed Humanitarian Day

Today is the day where we all should pause for a moment and quietly contemplate Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who died 14 years ago. Yes, there will be many official moments of recognition for Shaikh Zayed, the man whose vision and strength, wisdom and leadership laid the very foundations of this nation 46 years ago, but for each of us who calls the UAE home, he is a man who built our figurative house.

Every 19th day of Ramadan is marked as Zayed Humanitarian Day and is a reminder to all of his contribution in making this world a better place, instilling in the UAE its dedication to help others regardless of creed, colour or condition. And that is a legacy we are proud to strengthen by helping those afflicted by illness, disease, natural disasters or social conflict.

Today, the UAE is the most generous and charitable nation in the world, with the Leadership and Government proudly following Shaikh Zayed’s footsteps in extending helping hands to the desperate and disparate in darkest corners. From helping to eradicate diseases and afflictions, from the Rohingya in Myanmar to Syrian refugees in Jordan, to wherever need is great, resources few and hope in short supply, the generous heart and the open arms of the UAE and Shaikh Zayed are there. And yes, we care.

This is a nation too inspired by Shaikh Zayed’s deep love of nature, of natural beauty and the environment. We follow in his footsteps, honouring our landscape, cherishing our environment, working on the global stage to combat climate change and to act as responsible stewards for future generations. We embrace too renewable energy, giving back more to this earth than we take from it.

Shaikh Zayed laid the foundations for this nation, bringing together the seven strands of our emirates, binding them together in strength, the rope and the anchor in our ship that remains sturdy in turbulent waters that surround our region.

Today, let us remember a Leader who understood and cherished the role of women, seeing them as equals, partners together hand in hand as the nation marches forward. Whether in the home or in the workplace, all are cherished equally. And it was he who set the conditions in place for our unstoppable march of progress — education, learning, knowledge, a love of people, places, history and heritage. Yes, there is much to contemplate and appreciate this 19th day of Ramadan.