Many books were written about the late founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. “Zayed: Man Who Built a Nation” was a fascinating book by Graeme Wilson, published in 2013 by the National Archives, previously known as the National Center for Documentation and Research. I think this book is more relevant and closer to describing the march of the founding leader than any other book.
The introduction of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the book reads: “the greatness of men is always reflected in the great works and achievements they have long provided to their nation and to humanity. It is the welfare, peace and prosperity that reveals men’s efforts to build up a strong nation, to ensure population’s progress and to set up communication with other parts around the globe.”
His Highness’ fascinating personality still needs more exploration to reveal its human aspects to the world.
Sheikh Zayed was an exceptional leader by all standards. His personality was unique in human, political and social spheres. Questions need to be answered so to have a better understanding of his inspirational personality in dealing with the world from Al Ain Oasis.
The first steps that were taken in 1968 by the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, have led to unpredictable successes and achievements. The UAE model has become a source of inspiration for all the countries of the world, and has changed the history of the region.
The founding leader brought together the factors of success, uniqueness and pioneering development. He gave his interest to education, health services, infrastructure, empowerment of women and youth, political participation in national work, environment, agriculture, industry, trade and economy. The ambitions of the UAE were highlighted in various national occasions, reflecting the human capital as a key and secret of this pioneering experience.
His Highness was the first to defend the environment amid military industrial competition, which developments and progress are harmful to the environment.
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, designated the year 2018 as the “Year of Zayed”. This initiative is an ideal opportunity for researchers and academics to enrich the UAE and Arabic library with more books and studies about the founding leader. His Highness is a historical figure who was able to build a nation based on human and cultural values. The founding leader’s perception was able to combine Islamic religion with local Arab customs, traditions and values.
The “Year of Zayed” is the year of loyalty to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s path. He was keen to build bridges of communication, understanding and co-existence. His Highness worked to spread the values of peace, tolerance, openness, and benevolence. Today, the world is in dire need of such humanitarian set of values to promote peace, achieve security and stability and foster a culture of dialogue and communication among civilizations. The principles of the late founding leader are our basis of unity to fortify our homeland against external threats and interventions.
