National Day Supplement 2014 December 2014 | Page 3

43rd National Day HH SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN… A TRUE VISIONARY & AN ICONIC LEADER H is Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah bestow mercy upon him, is the beloved ‘father’ of the United Arab Emirates. His courage and tenacity to forge ahead in creating the country of his dreams… all contribute to the adoration and high esteem in which other rulers, his countrymen and expatriates living in the UAE hold him. Hailed as a visionary and a man of great integrity, Sheikh Zayed is credited with instilling in his people, a genuine love and patriotism for the UAE. This is evident in the numerous initiatives that place the interests of the people of the UAE first. He was notably a firm believer in education and personally funded the first modern school. Today, there are numerous education institutions and awards that carry his name. respectful of the culture of the UAE and the laws that govern the country. Sheikh Zayed was instrumental in creating an atmosphere of tolerance among expatriates and locals who live together in the UAE. Expatriates are encouraged to be mindful and He enjoyed and maintained positive diplomatic ties with other nations, while holding firm to his country’s beliefs. This has positioned the UAE as a powerful and respected ally of many Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Quotes “Since God, bestows His graces on us providing us with wealth, it is our role to use this wealth for the benefit and prosperity of our people as an expression of gratitude to our Lord.” Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque “A country’s greatest investment lies in building generations of educated and knowledgeable youth.” (Source: Distinguished Students Scholarships) “The UAE Federation was a realistic personification of the hopes and aspirations of the Emirati people. The federation was the dream of a nation who struggled to build a free society and a glorious future under the banners of justice. The UAE Federation will play a pioneering role toward the unification of all Arab peoples. It will serve as a nucleus for a comprehensive Arab unity.” - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque “The education of our people is a great wealth. We are proud of our educated nation because through knowledge and science we will open the horizons of a glorious future.” - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque “The process of construction and development requires the efforts not only of the government but also of all the citizens of the UAE.” - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque countries globally. His Highness Sheikh Zayed left behind a rich legacy of kindness and humility, which is evidenced in the actions of today’s rulers, who are also humble and philanthropic. “We should preserve our traditions and national heritage. We should stick to our roots and our Arabic and Islamic traditions.” - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque “It is my duty as the leader of the young people of this country to encourage them to work and to exert themselves in order to raise their own standards and to be of service to the country. The individual who is healthy and of a sound mind and body but who does not work commits a crime against himself and society.” – Gulf News Special Feature Nov - Dec 2014 29