President Khalifa declares 2018 the "Year of Zayed"

President Khalifa declares 2018 the "Year of Zayed"

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, may God save him, declared 2018 the “Year of Zayed”, to be a national honoring of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy upon him, in his 100th birth anniversary. He stated that such celebration is intended to highlight the role of the late leader, may Allah forgive him, in founding the UAE and in the local and international achievements.

Such declaration synchronized with the coronation anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on 06th August, 1966 as the governor of Abu Dhabi.

HH said that Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy upon him, is not the icon of wisdom, goodness and giving in the UAE and the gulf only, but at the Arab as well as international levels. He stated that his attitudes and initiatives declare him to be an exceptional modern leader appreciated by the people of the region and of the whole world.

Objectives

The efforts of the coming year will be dedicated to several objectives. The first objective is to highlight the role of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy upon him, in founding the UAE, laying the foundations of the UAE’s modern renaissance and its local, regional and international accomplishments, to appreciate the late leader and his principles and values that formed and are still forming the solid basis upon which the UAE depended and to shed the light on his people’s love and loyalty.

The second objective is to immortalize late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s character, principles and values, being one of the greatest leaders and most inspiring figures around the world for his patience, wisdom and vision. The third objective is to shed the light on the position of the late leader as an icon of nationalism and patriotism. The fourth objective is to immortalize the late leader’s inherited projects and initiatives that serve the future and consist with his vision and values.

HH President of the UAE stressed that choosing 2018 to be the “Year of Zayed” embodies the exceptional and unique place of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy upon him, at the heart of each and every Emirati citizen. He referred to Sheikh Zayed’s place as the leader, the founder of the union and the modern renaissance witnessed by the UAE in all fields and the icon of wisdom, goodness and giving not only in the gulf zone but at the Arab and international levels. He stated that his attitudes and initiatives declare him to be an exceptional modern leader appreciated by the people of the region and of the whole world.

New era

His Highness said on this 06th of August witnessed the rise of a new era upon the coronation of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as the governor of Abu Dhabi. It was the first step on the road towards unity, development and human-building.

His Highness stated that Sheikh Zayed was capable of laying the firm foundations and establishing the solid pillars of a strong union state which became to be a model of success and development by every means and an inspiring icon of the states which seek progress since it balanced wisely and influentially between the fulfillment of the modern requirements and the preservation of the civilizational, cultural and social idiosyncrasy.

His highness said “the “Year of Zayed” is a great national occasion which brings to our minds proudly and honorably the memory of the founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy upon him, and the great heritage of values, principles and traditions he left. He said that such values, principles and traditions distinguish the Emirati character and embody the UAE soft power in the region and the world especially that the union country he founded with his fellow governors of the emirates was built upon unity, cooperation and solidarity. He referred to that the UAE worked on shaping a real developmental experience that the Emirati people reap the fruits of and enjoy the security and stability in. He said that this is the reason behind instilling the unique unity experience and creating such an inspiring role model for several countries around the region and the world.

Zayed’s values

His Highness the President of the UAE called upon the Emirati people to uphold the noble and high values of Zayed, which he instilled in us, on the top of which wisdom, respect, determination, will, loyalty, affiliation to this nation and readiness to sacrifice anything for it because putting such values into action strengthen the unity of our internal home and enhance it in the face of challenges and risks.

He also called for making the year 2018 a year of achievements and formulating initiatives, events and programs that reflect the importance of this great historical character, imitate its core and highlight the pioneering role of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who put the country on the world map thanks to his leadership, wisdom, vision and experience. HH said that this is such a memorable festive occasion that has a great impact in the hearts. He said that this period of time with all its achievements and established facts is considered dear, precious and influential occasion. He stated that this period of time embody the dream of a people in development, prosperity, welfare and unprecedented civilizational construction in such a short period of time.

Keeping on the right track

HH said that while we celebrate the “Year of Zayed”, we confirm that we will keep going on the same track and work together in accordance to the late leader’s wisdom and clear visions. He stated that Zayed School which is wisely and uniquely managed is an inspiring resource of the UAE and the firm foundation of the federal structure of our country. He added that it would be the starting point towards the future in which we will strengthen the position of our beloved country as one of the best countries around the world in all fields within the coming few years. He added “we will keep on this right blessed empowerment track which aims at preparing the environment required for providing the UAE people with the means of strength and empowerment to be more contributive to the social, political, productive and cognitive life. He referred to that they are the real wealth, as the late leader used to say, not in the materialistic sense of the word, but rather in the sense that they craft the future of their nation. He said that this is the reason why we intend to keep on this wise approach of the Emirati empowerment in all fields and encouragement of the UAE people to do their role in the comprehensive and sustainable development.

Live memory

His Highness President of the UAE, may Allah protect him, stressed that the biography of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah bless his soul, will remain vivid in the hearts of the UAE people, the Arab and Islamic peoples and the whole world for his acts of support which extended to the needy, the weak and the wounded all over the world without discrimination on the basis of religion, race or color. The projects of goodness and development related to his good memory expanded to various societies and states. The Declaration of 2017 to be the “Year of Goodness” is a streamlet of the river of goodness of Zayed Al-Khair, which taught us the values of caring and giving limitlessly.

The “Year of Zayed” is a reflection of Zayed’s good deeds and great heritage. It allows his fellow sons to live in an atmospheres that are packed with goodness and giving and will be alive in their hearts. He said “The Year of Zayed is a means to protect Zayed’s heritage and a chance to live with Zayed’s values and work in accordance with Zayed’s vision.

Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, affirmed that declaring 2018 to be 'The Year of Zayed' by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE stems from a strong vision that enhances the UAE's regional and international position and highlights the legacy of the leader and founder which became an approach adopted by the UAE with its various components, groups and individuals, forming a work and life.

He said that these great human, moral, developmental and cultural achievements are one century old and that such achievements would not have been possible had it not been for the serious steps taken and steadfast efforts made by the founding father and leader, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah bless his soul, who occupies the hearts of the UAE’s citizens as well as residents. The period of the extension of his rule witnessed the beginning of a new era full of achievements that put the UAE on the map of the world and gave it the position it deserves.

He said that Sheikh Zayed is not only a leader or a ruler, but a symbol of noble principles and a source of virtues, referring to his place at the hearts of millions who loved him for his principles, ethics, good leadership and his clear effects widely respected and highly esteemed all over the world.

He said that 2018 will be an exceptional year for the UAE. It will be a reflection of the greatness of father Zayed since it will witness the development of initiatives and projects inspired by Zayed's heritage, approach and morals, the matter which will bestow this year a real value.

He said that thanks to his wisdom and outstanding leadership, Zayed the founder, may Allah have mercy upon him, turned the UAE from a group of separated emirates to a united, strong and modern state that is cohesive and capable of challenging the impossibilities. Zayed, the leader, focused on humans and provided them with the bases for progress in his belief that human is the main engine of nations’ renaissance.

He added that Zayed's touches are spread in each and every aspect of life and development fields. He said that education is an important pillar which the late leader cared for in his keenness on giving the educational output an international feature through preparing a supportive environment. This resulted in a remarkable development in education in the UAE that allowed the UAE to maintain its competitiveness and global leadership.

He pointed out that Zayed laid the foundation of the developed educational system we implement, stating that he focused on knowledge and establishment of schools and universities in accordance with high standards, and provided all the possibilities and means to guarantee the advancement and development of education, stemming from his deep belief in education as a weapon to defeat future challenges and guarantee people’s progress and welfare.

He went on to say that the civilizational, cultural, urban, economic and educational achievements during the reign of the father Zayed is a sign of his vision, insight and forward-looking vision for the future, diligent work, sincere effort and dedication to build a strong and advanced entity in which his sons live in dignity, welfare and prosperity.

He concluded that Sheikh Zayed's reign was a milestone in the history of the UAE, characterized by development, growth and human foundation. As a result of his reign, the UAE acquired its status as the regional and global leader and gained its global reputation for its moderate and human approach and international commitment that ensure its keenness on the development and progress of the peoples of the world.

Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi: "The year of Zayed” is the highest meanings of affiliation to the founding father's memory

His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education, commended the directions of His Highness Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, may Allah protect him, to declare 2018 “The Year of Zayed”.

Al Falasi said that the president’s directives of declaring 2018 to be “The Year of Zayed” is the highest expression of loyalty to the founder father who established the renaissance of the UAE.

He added that this decision comes from the insightful vision of our wise leaders who are the best offspring of the best ancestors, referring to “The Year of Zayed” to be an embodiment of the noble values enjoyed by the UAE’s people such as giving, benevolence, tolerance and loyalty and dedicated by the late leader.

He said that Sheikh Zayed loved his country and that was the key of the love his people gave to him in return. His brilliant memory will remain a minaret that lights the path of and guides the generations to come. He said that such memory will contribute to the renaissance of the UAE and complete the process of growth and excellence initiated by the late leader.

He said that the founding father has always emphasized the need for continuous development of the educational system and the importance of the efforts of building educated and cultured generations that preserve the achievements of the country and participate actively in its development and advancement. He added that the late leader’s viewpoint is reflected in the new generations which are in continuous pursuit of achieving excellence in education through getting involved into the areas that are in line with the requirements of the age.

His Excellency stressed that "The Year of Zayed" will enhance the UAE's position on the world map through embodying the values the late Sheikh Zayed believed in, which contribute in one way or another to the creation of a global citizen that contributes to the happiness of people wherever they are following suit of the founding father.