Zayed behind the miracle called UAE

MAY 6, 1918 Birthday of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Father of Nation

The decision to announce 2018 as the ‘Year of Zayed’ has been met with huge praise by residents across the UAE. As the entire nation gets set to mark the occasion next year, many have been reminiscing on the legacy the founding father left behind.

On Saturday, the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said 2018 will honour the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. And on Sunday, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the wife of the late Sheikh Zayed, hailed the decision.

“(Sheikh Zayed) paved the way for his successors to achieve their hopes and aspirations,” she said.

As a man who “led his country and his people towards progress and prosperity”, Sheikha Fatima described the decision as one of the greatest gestures by the country’s people and leadership to honour her late husband.

“Sheikh Zayed created a miracle in the land of the UAE through his dedication and sincere efforts in building the country and establishing the values of happiness for his people,” she said.

This experience sets an example to be followed and an achievement that requires much will and determination, said Sheikha Fatima, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and the President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

In a touching tribute to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE will mark the year 2018 with different initiatives celebrating his local, regional and international achievements.

Sheikh Zayed’s memory will be honoured throughout the year, and it follows the practice of giving themes to years, which started with the ‘Year of Reading’ in 2016. This year is being observed as the ‘Year of Giving’.

As a man who succeeded in putting the UAE on the right track of advancement and development, it has now become one of the best governments in the world, with the most prosperous and happy people. And that is something worth celebrating.

Sheikha Fatima went on to reiterate the late Sheikh Zayed’s role in empowering Emirati women, saying: “Sheikh Zayed made their dreams come true by empowering them in all areas of education, providing them with comprehensive health care, social integration, and making available work opportunities through which they have achieved success.” — Wam

Sheikh Zayed made women’s dreams come true by empowering them in all areas of education, providing them with comprehensive health care and social integration.” Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak