Zayed believed in connecting globally
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Youth, said it is not an overnight phenomenon that UAE developed a global cultural eco system.
“When our nation’s founder the late Sheikh Zayed, united the Emirates and founded the UAE, most of our people relatively knew nothing about the world beyond the Gulf coastline. We had no national education system, no connection, no roads. We lived among ourselves.”
“We, however, did have a courageous leader who believed we must establish connections with the rest of the world if we were to build a country that we envision. He knew the first priority is education. He knew women had to play a role equal to men if we have to develop fairly. He knew our linguistic skills must extend beyond our mother tongue, and immerse ourselves in the wonders of science and technology. He knew we must see, hear and engage with people who are not part of our culture and respect the core of their cultures.”
Sheikh Nahyan said the UAE has grown into a diverse population of almost 10 million people, representing more than 200 different nationalities. “Just as we gain knowledge from you today, we gain knowledge every day from our international friends and acquaintances who live and work here.”
He said as the Emirati community acquires knowledge from the diverse population around, their curiosity sharpens, respect for others increases, and commitment for their best values strengthens.
We, however, did have a courageous leader who believed we must establish connections with the rest of the world if we were to build a country that we envision.”