Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan known as the Father of the Nation for his role in forming the United Arab Emirates.
Also he is the first President of the UAE.
Born in Al Ain city around 1916, Sheikh Zayed was the youngest of the four sons of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He served as the UAE President from the formation of the UAE on 2 December 1971 until he passed away in 2004.
He also served as the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi from 1966 to 2004.
Through the late 1920s and 1930s, Sheikh Zayed’s thirst for knowledge took him into the desert with Bedouin tribesmen.
To learn all he could about the way of life of the people and the environment.
Later, he recalled with pleasure his experience of desert life and his initiation into the sport of falconry, which became a lifelong passion.
Sheikh Zayed was one of the richest men in the world. According to Forbes Magazine, he owned about $20 billion.
In 1988 he bought the famous Tithurst Park for £ 5 million.
Understanding the UAE is impossible without understanding the life of Sheikh Zayed and his deep religious faith.
Besides his vision, his determination and hard work.
His generosity at home and abroad.
Also the way in which he devoted his life to the service of his people and the creation of a better world.
Values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Made the UAE.
Sheikh Zayed was a good listener and an unbiased dispute mediator.
He was also renowned for his patience, vision and wisdom, qualities that earned him the title of ‘the wise man of the Arabs.’
He ensured that all UAE citizens were involved in the nation’s collective success.
According to many international reports, His Highness’ vision led the UAE becoming the GCC‘s second-biggest economy after Saudi Arabia.
As well as the third-largest economy in the Middle East.
In addition the UAE became the most important financial and economic center in the region because of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan.
The process of establishing the Federation started with the late Sheikh Zayed.
Since he paved the way for unity to ensure the Trucial States‘ survival.
And eventually establish a federal authority when faced with serious threats.
On 16 January 1968, Sheikh Zayed established closer ties with the other emirates.
This happened after the Announcement of Great Britain’s withdrawal from east of Suez and the Gulf.
He went immediately to Dubai to discuss the next steps with the Ruler of Dubai, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Finally, on 18 February 1968, both Sheikhs Zayed bin Sultan and Rashid bin Saeed agreed on a federation.
Which includes the seven emirates that made up the Trucial States, Qatar and Bahrain.
Which includes the seven emirates that made up the Trucial States, Qatar and Bahrain.
Three and a half years later, with the end of British withdrawal, Sheikh Zayed again engaged Sheikh Rashid and the other Rulers in the Trucial States in decisive discussions.
Which determined the vital role of the UAE.
Sheikh Zayed’s enthusiasm was a critical factor in the formation of the UAE.
He also won support for the way he sought consensus and agreement among his fellow Rulers.
Eventually, six Emirates, except Ras Al Khaimah, followed Sheikh Zayed united to establish the UAE.
Which formally emerged on the international stage on 2 December 1971.
Furthermore, the Rulers of the other Emirates unanimously elected Sheikh Zayed as the President of the UAE.
While Ras Al Khaimah acceded to the new Federation on 10 February 1972.
Sheikh Zayed was a relatively liberal ruler and he also allowed freedom of religion.
When it came to controversial issues or events in the Arab world, Sheikh Zayed was not afraid to voice his opinion.
Shocked by the suffering of Iraqi civilians, he urged the US, for example, to relax economic sanctions against Iraq.
Moreover, one foundation of his philosophy as a leader and statesman was that the resources of the country should be fully used to the benefit of the people.
including the women of the UAE who benefited from his vision of education, employment and equality.
In governing the nation, Sheikh Zayed drew from Arabian Bedouin traditions of consensus and consultation.
At an informal level, that principle has long been practiced through the institution of the majlis (council).
Where a leading member of society holds an “open-house” discussion forum, at which any individual may put forward views for discussion and consideration.
By 1970, Abu Dhabi was embarking on a process of rapid development.
Sheikh Zayed formalized the consultation process and established the National Consultative Council.
He brought together the leaders of each of the main groups.
A similar body was created in 1971 for the entire UAE: the Federal National Council, the state’s parliament.
In fact the conservation of natural environment and wildlife was critical to Sheikh Zayed.
Since he believed that the character of the Emirati people derives, in part, from the struggle to survive in the harsh and arid local environment.
Also he worked throughout his life on preserving such species as the Arabian Oryx and the sand gazelle.
Sheikh Zayed was a firm opponent of harsh dogmas and intolerance.
During an interview in 2002, he said:
“Muslims stand against any person of Muslim faith who will try to commit any terror act against a fellow human being.
A terrorist is an enemy of Islam and of humanity.
While the true Muslim is friendly to all human beings and a brother to other Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
This is because Islam is a religion of mercy and tolerance.”
Moreover, Sheikh Zayed applied his ideals of consensus and tolerance more broadly.
Within the Arabian Gulf region, and in the broader Arab world.
The UAE has sought to enhance cooperation and to resolve disagreement through a calm pursuit of dialogue and consensus.
In the 1990s he also recognized that the UAE could play a more active role in international peacekeeping operations.
Furthermore, the UAE Armed Forces participated in the Arab Deterrent Force that sought to bring to an end the civil strife in Lebanon.
Also in UNISOM TWO, the United Nations peacekeeping and reconstruction force in Somalia.
In early 1999, Sheikh Zayed was among the first world leaders to express support for the decision by the (NATO) to launch its aerial campaign to force Serbia to halt its genocidal activities against the people of Kosovo.
From late 1999 to 2001, the UAE contingent serving with the UN’s KFOR peacekeeping force was the largest from any of the non-NATO states.
Also the only one from an Arab or Muslim country.
While ensuring that the UAE should increasingly shoulder international responsibilities.
However, Sheikh Zayed also made it clear that the UAE’s role is focusing on relief and rehabilitation.
However, Sheikh Zayed also made it clear that the UAE’s role is focusing on relief and rehabilitation.
In the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries, the policy adopted by Sheikh Zayed reflects his desire to apply the good fortune of his country to those less fortunate.
Through bodies like Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the Red Crescent Society.
In fact the UAE now plays a major role in the provision of relief and development assistance worldwide.
Sheikh Zayed died in 2004, in his late eighties, leaving behind a legacy as the Father of the nation.
He was buried on 3 November next to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque under construction in Abu Dhabi.
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, his eldest son succeeded him as the UAE’s President and as Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
However, the principles and philosophy that he brought to government remain at the core of the state and its policies.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan is always remembered by his achievements.
-The World Wildlife Fund awarded him with the prestigious Gold Panda award.
-Kukës Airport, one of two commercial airports in Albania started during his lifetime and named after him, completed posthumously in 2010.
-In 2005, Sheikh Zayed was awarded posthumously by the Champions of Earth Award.
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