The spirit to triumph against all odds
He has walked shoulder to shoulder with Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and witnessed his era. Mohammad Al Bereiki shared his memories of the Father of the Nation.
Al Bereiki was the director of the Heritage Village under Shaikh Zayed’s leadership for 10 years, which was then located at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre area in the capital.
“Year of Zayed must be celebrated each year not only one year because his contributions are countless,” he said.
“Shaikh Zayed always believed that the people of the country are his real wealth. As a leader, he authorised significant investments in health care and education and infrastructure in the UAE that rapidly transformed the country’s social and economic outcomes,” Al Bereiki said.
“It will be more right to attribute to Shaikh Zayed the term ‘a global humanitarian personality’ as he reached out to all corners of the world and helped the needy,” he said.
“During a visit to a village, Baba narrated to me his childhood saying, ‘When I was 16, I didn’t have more than Rupees 10 in my pocket’. Gradually, things changed. When he travelled from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi, he had Dh5,000 in his pocket and he spent all [on others] before reaching Abu Dhabi. That was his generosity.”
Respect for heritage
Shaikh Zayed always emphasised culture and traditions to depict the real picture of the country.
“On one occasion, Abu Dhabi TV was invited to the Heritage Village to shoot a documentary on Emirati culture, craft and homes. In one part, the head of a camel was shown. Shaikh Zayed watched the episode on TV, and told me that the camel portrayed was not of a local breed. ‘If you want local camels, I can send [them] for you. I hope you exhibit the true picture of things. Since heritage is being shot, everything should be local.’ This was how true to form he was,” Al Bereiki said.
“Shaikh Zayed is an example for every Emirati citizen, and loyalty to his legacy must be followed.”
The wise man had not only imagined a better future for his people but he also had the wisdom and determination to turn that ambitious vision into a reality against all odds, said Al Bereiki.