Remembering Sheikh Zayed

Exactly 100 years ago, the person who was destined to transform a backwater hamlet into a vibrant country was born in Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Hosn.

Celebrated as ‘the man who turned the desert green’, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan went on to become the Founding Father of the UAE and one of the world’s most approachable leaders.

Named after his grandfather, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (‘Zayed the Great’) –  who was the symbol of justice, generosity and courage – Sheikh Zayed grew up in a family of leaders and became a visionary who dedicated his life for the improvement of the country in particular and humanity in general.

At the time of Sheikh Zayed’s birth, the emirate was undeveloped, with an economy based primarily on fishing, pearl diving and simple agriculture. As a young adult, he travelled throughout Abu Dhabi, gaining a deep understanding of the land and its people. It was Sheikh Zayed’s vision that has made the UAE what it is today – a happy land full of opportunities.

His biggest achievement is the unification of the seven emirates into a single federation and transforming it into a modern country. A voice of modernism, the late Sheikh Zayed relentlessly worked to develop cooperation between the seven Trucial States (as the UAE was called before the unification) and it was through his vision that modernisation of the UAE was achieved without the destruction of society, traditions and culture.

The 1968-71 period was probably one of the most difficult of his career, as he cajoled, persuaded, forgave and promoted the creation of a federation that became the UAE on December 2, 1971. While he promoted equestrianism, camel racing and hunting on one side, on the other, he also encouraged citizens to develop themselves through education. He wanted the youth to educate themselves highly, seek employment and benefit the society.

Article original Published on Khaleej Time