‘Everything we have achieved is because of him’

Sheikh Mussallam is a peacemaker, a man who can bring disputes to an end without raising his voice, never mind a fist or a weapon.

It is an invaluable skill that ended a family feud that brought bloodshed and tragedy, and one he learnt from the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed.

After resolving a fierce rivalry between two tribes at his majlis in Al Ain, he reflects on how he has put the wisdom of Sheikh Zayed to good use.

“I learnt this from Sheikh Zayed and this is exactly why he became president,” Sheikh Musallam said.

“When he was [governor] of the Eastern Region he resolved disputes between the different tribes and he became so popular and loved that eventually the people wanted him to become president.”

Sheikh Zayed would meet his people at his majlis, to listen to their grievances and counsel, as well as consult.

Sheikh Mussallam’s late father, Sheikh Salem bin Ham, whose home was near Sheikh Zayed’s Muwaiji Palace in Al Ain, was a permanent fixture at the majlis.

Sheikh Mussallam started attending the majlis and travelling with his father and Sheikh Zayed, learning important lessons on every trip.

“I don’t think I have ever heard Sheikh Zayed speak unnecessarily or say anything or even recite poetry without it being wise. Every time I went to the majlis, I learnt something new.”

Sheikh Mussallam, 60, remembers when the late ruler expressed his dream to turn the desert green, and some were sceptical that anything would grow.

“Look at us now. For Sheikh Zayed, nothing was impossible.”

Sheikh Mussallam brought Sheikh Zayed some potted palm shoots grown from palm tissues in a laboratory in London to plant in the UAE.

“When I showed them to him, he said they were too small to plant and removed them from the potting and put them in the ground.

“I grew them, and when I went back to him, he ordered 3,000 of them that he planted in Al Maqam, and he realised that by using palm shoots instead of the traditional way, we could plant thousands of trees at a time.”

On the late president’s death on November 2, 2004, Sheikh Mussallam said: “Those who had not seen him [met Sheikh Zayed] cried. So what of the people who grew up with Zayed?’”

Sheikh Mussallam’s father knew of his death before the announcement. “My father had told me to call Sheikh Zayed’s office to see when to visit him because he just returned from abroad,” Sheikh Mussallam said.

“When I called, they said that there would be no majlis and they would contact us. I took no notice, but when I told my father, he silently mourned and said that Zayed was with God. I will never forget that.

“I know that if he was with us today, he would have been proud. He would be proud of everything that was achieved.

“Everything we have achieved and will achieve is because of Zayed, and his children have carried on his legacy.”

Shireena Al Nowais