ZAYED SPEAK
ON NATION BUILDING
“We look forward to see our sons and daughters play a more active role in the future. They should participate in development process by sharing responsibilities, especially in private sector, so as to lay foundations for the success.”
ON THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE
“Our system of government is based on our religion, and it is what our people want. Should they seek alternatives, we are ready to listen to them. We are all in the same boat, and they (people) are both captain and crew.”
ON NURTURING THE DESERT
“They used to say that agriculture has no future [in the UAE ]. But with God’s blessing and our determination, we have succeeded in transforming this desert into a greenland.”
ON NON-OIL ECONOMY
“We must not rely on oil alone as the main source of our national income. We have to diversify the sources of our revenue and construct economic projects that will ensure a free, stable and dignified life for the people.”
ON EXPATRIATES IN THE UAE
“The livelihood is from God, the money is God’s, the land is God’s, the grace is God’s, we are all God’s creation, and he who has trusted God will never be failed, and those who come to us are welcome.”
ON RELIGION AND WORLD PEACE
“Islam desists violence practised by terrorists who kill their brethren and commit all despicable actions under the shelter of religion. Islam dissociates itself strictly from these people and their actions.”
On the fOrmatiOn Of uniOn
“Our experiment in federation, in the first instance, arose from a desire to increase the ties that bind us, as well as from the conviction of everyone that they were part of one family, and that they must gather under one leadership.”
On wealth and educatiOn
“Every individual has to perform his duty. Man is mortal, but his work is not. Therefore, work is greater than wealth. The real asset of any advanced nation is its people. The prosperity of the people is measured by the standard of their education.”
On human capabilities
“The real spirit behind the progress is the human spirit. The able man with his intellect and capabilities can protect these foundations and who can progress and develop with them.
On the new generatiOn
“The new generation should be aware of the suffering of their ancestors. This awareness will provide them with drive, firmness and solidity in order to complete the epic of construction and development initiated by our fathers and ancestors.”
On investing in citizens
“I have a strong belief that the UAE citizen is the (main) resource of the country and the pillar of civilisation. Our achievements will be of no value without an educated generation. Hence, manpower should precede development in all other sectors.”
On the need fOr change
“We must move with the times. We have already missed a lot but now we can’t afford to let go any opportunity that comes our way. We may make mistakes but that shouldn’t stop us from taking up the challenges and carrying on with our march to success.”