THE FATHER WE WISHED WE KNEW
THE LEGACY OF SHAIKH ZAYED IS EVIDENT EVERYWHERE IN THE UAE
BY MUSTAFA KASHIF, ALEX DENNANT AND AZAAN YAQUB
Shaikh Zayed was born in 1918. He was raised as a Bedouin.
His childhood was spent in Al Ain and he was given a traditional education and also exposed to Arab literature.
The young Shaikh Zayed demonstrated a keen interest in tribal politics.
He took charge of the country’s affairs in 1969, before the formation of the United Arab Emirates. He was governor of Abu Dhabi, one of seven Trucial States on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. When Shaikh Zayed planned for the states to come together as the United Arab Emirates in 1971, he became president of its Supreme Council. He was re-elected four times by the Federal Supreme Council (in 1986, 1991, 1996, and 2001).
With the discovery of oil in Abu Dhabi in 1958, Shaikh Zayed quickly appreciated the potential of this beneficial opportunity and decided to harness its power for the good of his people.
An unimaginable generosity distinguished Shaikh Zayed’s personality. He was ever available to help his people.
He played a great and inspiring role in resolving disputes and problems, but more importantly, he promoted the ideals of friendship, community and well-being. The years 19681971 were a seminal phase in
the UAE’s history. Shaikh Zayed strove to realise his vision of a great country through the creation of the UAE on December 2, 1971. There were many naysayers who doubted the strength of the federation to last, but time has proved that Shaikh Zayed had unerring instincts and vision. Not only has the UAE survived and prospered, it has become the cynosure of all eyes with its dynamism, spark and progress.
Shaikh Zayed was a globally respected Arab statesman, who was actively engaged in a range of issues. Despite his stature, he exemplified a life lived with restraint that adhered to deeply embedded traditions and values. At ease in his golden desert, Shaikh Zayed would nurture and nourish the environment that sustained him and his people and create an environmental awareness that has turned the UAE into a green marvel.
A liberal-minded leader, Shaikh Zayed believed in freedom for all, an abiding value that is at the core of the UAE’s development.
Shaikh Zayed died on November 2, 2004, in Abu Dhabi.
The legacy of Shaikh Zayed is evident everywhere in the UAE. He proved that if you keep trying, you will succeed. This enduring nobility is inspiring the new generations to give their country the best of their talent, commitment and creativity to take it to greater heights each year.
This was Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the father we wished we knew.