A celebration of unity

Not only Emiratis, even expatriates feel a sense of pride about the UAE

The Year of Zayed is a year to be celebrated. It’s a year of unity, pride and respect. It’s about celebrating the life of a leader who used his power to benefit the UAE in a positive and proactive way. He was a man of great wealth, however, he used that wealth in a selfless act to help his country.

The year will not only be about remembering what Shaikh Zayed did for the UAE, but about introducing his values across the UAE.

Shaikh Zayed was a caring, selfless man whose biggest motive was to help each and every Emirati to build the nation.

“Shaikh Zayed’s main objective was to invest in building the Emirati person, believing in his or her ability to actively participate in the building of the nation,” His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said.

The year of Zayed is also for Emiratis to show pride in their country.

“If I was Emirati, I would be really proud of my country, really proud of Shaikh Zayed and I would be a really proud citizen,” said 13-yearold Shakthi Morali, from Jebel Ali School. This sentiment reveals that not only are Emiratis proud of their country but expatriates who have lived in the UAE for only a few years are also proud to say that they live in such a inspirational and accomplished country.

Among the many aims of the Year of Zayed, some are to promote the values of tolerance, environmentalism, leadership and charity.

Shaikh Zayed established a global model of tolerance and coexistence, because he knew from the beginning that the uniqueness of the UAE is in its ability to welcome different races, religions and cultures without abandoning its identity.

During the year, the people of the UAE are encouraged to uphold the values espoused by Shaikh Zayed, including those of wisdom, respect, determination, loyalty and willingness to make sacrifices.

Shaikh Zayed would always check on the needs of the citizens, visit their homes and be present at occasions creating a unique bond with his people. He is an inspiration to our region and the world.

The real asset of any advanced nation is its people, especially the educated ones, and prosperity and success of people is measured by the standard of their education.”

Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan

“Shaikh Zayed has instilled in us the willpower and determination to challenge and achieve the impossible. This is why we are always convinced that we are capable of being pioneers and to become one of the best countries in the world. He inspired us to...