year-of-zayed

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has declared 2018 the "Year of Zayed" in the United Arab Emirates.

The year 2018 marks 100 years since the birth of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the ‘Year of Zayed’ will highlight the role of the late leader in establishing the UAE Federation, and his local, regional and international achievements.

The ‘Year of Zayed’ will seek to achieve several objectives, including being a time to highlight the role of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in establishing the UAE and consolidating its foundations of modern development, with an emphasis on the nation's local, regional and global achievements, and continue to form the basis of this country’s progress.

The Year of Zayed will seek to share Sheikh Zayed's values and principles, as well as one of the greatest world leaders, with an inspirational wisdom, vision and patience.

This celebration will strengthen Sheikh Zayed's stature as a symbol of patriotism and love for the nation.

The Year will be an opportunity to portray Sheikh Zayed’s legacy in forthcoming projects and initiatives that express his vision and values.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that setting 2018 as the Year of Zayed reflects the unique standing that the late leader holds with every Emirati as the founding leader of the Union.

With his wisdom and goodness, Sheikh Zayed set the foundations of modern development across all sectors in the UAE. His generosity is experienced not only in the UAE and the Gulf region, but also throughout the Arab world and internationally, with contributions and initiatives that continue to reflect his unerring skill as a modern leader, who gained the respect of so many people around world.

President Sheikh Khalifa pointed out that the late Sheikh Zayed was able to lay down solid foundations for a strong, united nation that balanced the requirements for modernity while preserving the cultural and social heritage of the UAE. This effective model has been a source of inspiration for countries seeking progress.

President Sheikh Khalifa said, "The Year of Zayed is a great national occasion when we will proudly share memories of the life of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his gift to us of deeply-rooted values, principles and traditions that have become part of our Emirati identity."

He added that this is especially true since the Union that Sheikh Zayed established with his brothers, the Rulers of the UAE, was based on unity and solidarity to build a progressive society that benefits everyone, and in which people live in security and stability.

The President called upon all the nation's people to uphold the noble values instilled in them by the late Sheikh Zayed, including those of wisdom, respect, determination, loyalty, a sense of belonging to the nation, and a willingness to make sacrifices at whatever cost.

President Khalifa continued to say, the recognition of these values and our fulfillment of them will encourage the unity of our nation and strengthen our resilience in facing risks and challenges.

His Highness also called for making 2018 a year of achievements, initiatives, events and programmes that reflect the great historical personality of the late Sheikh Zayed, highlighting his pioneering role, his vision and his sound leadership.

President Khalifa said that as we celebrate the Year of Zayed, we shall reaffirm our commitment to continue his legacy and work, guided by his wisdom and vision.

The 'School of Zayed', he said, is a source of inspiration for every step that the UAE takes; a solid foundation for the consolidation of the federal structure of our young nation; and a stepping stone for its future, full of strength and respect, leading up to the creation of one of the finest countries in the world.

He went on to say that Sheikh Zayed's real wealth was not in materialism, but in his investment in the men and women who build the future of their nation. Therefore, we are a nation determined to follow in his footsteps, empowering Emirati people in all fields to contribute to their country's comprehensive and sustainable development.

His Highness the President stressed that the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed will remain alive not only in the hearts of the UAE people and Arab and Muslim nations, but throughout the world.

This, the President said, is because the generosity of the late Sheikh Zayed whose initiatives and campaigns helped those in need around the world. Thus, declaring 2017 as the ‘Year of Giving’ was an extension of his limitless giving.

The President added, "The Year of Zayed will be a year in which the nation preserves the legacy of Zayed, and our people will live the values of Zayed, and work together to fulfil the vision of Zayed."