Leaders honour Sheikh Zayed
Tributes pour in on humanitarian day in memory of Founding Father
ABU DHABI // Leaders and officials across the country paid tribute to the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, for his compassion and commitment to charity work and humanitarian efforts, as the nation marked Zayed Humanitarian Day. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed marked the occasion by renaming the Mohammed bin Zayed Mosque in Al Mushrif in the capital the Maryam Umm Issa Mosque, according to his Twitter account.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces said Sheikh Zayed embodied the meaning of humanity and that his father inspired us all to spread good across the world. The UAE’s humanitarian efforts would remain central to the country’s policy and the Emirates would continue to be a beacon of giving under the leadership of the President, Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed said.
“Giving is a great humanitarian value,” he said. “We sense its importance when we witness it changing the face of suffering and converting it to good effect in the lives of the needy.”
Sheikha Fatima, wife of Sheikh Zayed and Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, said her husband’s championing of humanitarian initiatives helped to alleviate the suffering of people in conflicts and disasters, and was a model for compassion at home and abroad.
“We celebrate an exceptional leader, whose profound memory is enshrined within every Emirati and even in the Arab and international conscience,” she said.
“Sheikh Zayed made history with his wisdom and leadership, and left his deep mark throughout the country, promoting it towards prosperity and renaissance.” Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, said the Founding Father’s vision had resulted in making the UAE a model nation in giving and tolerance, providing aid throughout the world to all people, without discrimination. Sheikh Zayed’s words and actions had proved that dealing with others should be based on equality, justice, citizenship, solidarity and co-operation, all of which contributed to a more tolerant society rejecting all forms of violence, extremism, discrimination and racism.
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council, said the UAE’s status as one of the biggest donors of aid in the world represented a culmination of Sheikh Zayed’s efforts.
His humanitarian legacy and contributions towards peace, stability and development across the world is deep-rooted in Emirati society and continues to inspire, she said.
Sheikh Zayed’s achievements in humanitarian work can still be seen by the younger generations, said the director general of the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation. “His initiatives have assisted millions of people around the world, and built cities for poor people and hospitals that carry his name, providing giving and care,” said Mohammed Haji Al Khouri.
The country’s efforts in charity work have engraved the name of the UAE in the minds and hearts of people who have benefited from its initiatives he said.
Falling on the Islamic calendar anniversary of Sheikh Zayed’s passing – the 19th day of Ramadan – Zayed Humanitarian Day is marked every year to commemorate the late leader’s values and vision.
On Wednesday, the UAE marked Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, which is celebrated every year on the 19th day of Ramadan, the day on which Sheikh Zayed, this country’s founding father, passed away after establishing a foundation for humanitarian contribution by the UAE. Announcing the annual occasion in 2012, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said: “We proclaim this day as Humanitarian Work Day for the UAE, to commemorate Sheikh Zayed’s spirit of philanthropy and to promote the Emirati culture of giving.”
Sheikh Zayed was not only a leader; he was a father, a teacher and a humanitarian who believed in unity and compassion. He determined that aid should be provided for all people in need, regardless of geography, race or religion.
During his time, the country extended a helping hand to various nations affected by natural disasters and wars and the value of humanitarian aid and development reached about Dh90.5 billion, benefiting more than 117 countries worldwide, according to the latest report by the UAE Ministry of International Cooperation and Development.
The UAE has continued on this path under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa and now it has been ranked as one of the world’s top aid donors for three consecutive years.
Naturally, the leadership’s generosity has rubbed off on the people. Every year, the UAE launches nationwide campaigns to contribute to a specific cause, including the campaign to clothe one million children around the world in 2013, the Suqia drive to bring water to five million people in 2014 and the Reading Nation initiative to distribute five million books to children in refugee camps, schools and libraries around the world in 2016. Such campaigns were always supported by a high level of public participation.
The occasion is even more relevant this year as the UAE celebrates the Year of Giving, in which many humanitarian and charitable initiatives were launched across the country.