The United Arab Emirates will forever remain grateful to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the nation and its first president

The leader who cared for arabian horses

The United Arab Emirates will forever remain grateful to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the nation and its first president. Sheikh Zayed was a true patriot whose vision and tireless work helped the UAE turn itself from a desert country into an oasis of hope and limitless opportunities.

It’s the relentless march to the top that also has shaped the country’s glorious sporting landscape. Over the years, the UAE has become one of the top sporting destinations in the world. A country that hosts world-class tennis, golf, rugby, cricket, badminton, cycling and marathon events. A country that has hosted a football tournament as prestigious as the Club World Cup in 2009 and 2010 and is gearing up to host the Fifa’s biggest club tournament for the third time next month. A country that hosts the Formula One race every year at the magnificent Yas Marina Circuit. And a country that takes pride in its rich equine sports history and the Dubai World Cup, one of the richest races in the world, that sees the best race horses produce riveting battles at the magical Meydan racecourse.

that scene to Again, develop paved in the it a the was modern method of horse breeding, country. Hailed as the first Emirati way Sheikh Zayed’s love for horses for a thriving equine sports Sheikh took great Zayed efforts deeply cared for the horses and to build special stables in Abu Dhabi that were established to raise and preabian serve the unique Arabian horses.

Sheikh Zayed also offered handsome rewards to winners of horse races. It was his way of encouragup ing the youth to take up horse racing as a career and promoting the sport, especially the purebred Arae bian horse racing. He always believed in maintainArabian ing the purity of the Arabian horses.

Sheikh Zayed’s invaluable contributions to horse racing also won him zillion admirers across the world. European race horse owners doffed their hats to this great UAE leader for allowing Arabian horses run for glory at iconic racecourses in their continent. Sheikh Zayed’s remarkable efforts helped Arabian horses become major attractions in prestigious inlebrates ternational races.

Now as the UAE celebrates its 46th National day, let’s salute this extra ordinary leader who became the symbol of the country’s astonishing progress in every field.

I am so honoured to be able to compete internationally wearing the UAE flag. When I first started, the perceptions of me on the international stage were very different. Then people didn’t know what to do. They were afraid to even talk to me. Now, everyone talks, laughs and are my friends. They support me and are proud of me no matter what my results are. It’s wonderful to see and feel the changes that have taken place both locally and internationally.” Zahra Lari, an Emirati figure skater UAE National Day makes me so proud to be Emirati and I like to hear the UAE national anthem when I am on the podium in Europe. It makes me want to do well in my karting race for my country and leaders. It also makes me proud to have the UAE flag on my racing suit, kart and helmet. Many of the people who I race with in Europe do not know about the UAE and I’d like to tell them all about our food and our cities and the desert.” Rashid Al Dhaheri, karting champion