Shaikh Zayed's achievements and compassion remembered

Prominent UAE men and women spoke on the occasion at special events and on television stations, highlighting the big loss for the nation.

"The good deeds of Shaikh Zayed have been seen by people in all parts of the world… He is the sage of Arabs," said Mohammed Khalifa Al Murar, Director of the the Information Affairs Office of Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister.

A function on the first death anniversary of the great leader held in the capital was attended by top diplomats.

"He is a leader who is truly loved by his people. What we have noticed is that he is also loved and admired by millions of people, inside and outside the UAE," said a top ranking diplomat.

"His deeds will remain with us forever," said Al Murar, who delivered the inaugural address at a one-day symposium held at the Information Affairs Office of Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister. Titled: "Zayed: The Man," the symposium gave an account of the outstanding traits of Shaikh Zayed in humanitarian work, environment conservation, development and education. Prominent speakers participated in the event.

Shaikh Al Hashemi, Adviser to the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said Shaikh Zayed was a man of multiple qualities, brave, wise, and soft-hearted.

He said Shaikh Zayed extended parental compassion to all, young or old, national or resident. He was a man who dealt with others with love and compassion, and treated them as equals. "For Shaikh Zayed, governing was a duty, not an honour," he said.

Shaikh Al Hashemi said the late president succeeded in building a modern nation in a very short span of time. "The good deeds of Shaikh Zayed gave great benefits, not only to Muslims around the world, but also to people of other faiths, and here lies the greatness of this man," he said.

The late Shaikh Zayed's achievements are seen all over the UAE. A programme on his life was aired recently on Al Arabiya Arabic news channel as well as on other channels which highlighted the great accomplishments realised during his reign.

A special programme was also telecast live on Dubai TV, in which presenters from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah television channels also took part.

Dr Rawda Al Mutawa, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council (ADBWC), said Shaikh Zayed had been a staunch supporter of women, giving them equal opportunities to get best education. "The fact that a woman is now a minister in the UAE Cabinet is evidence of his commitment to giving women their rights. Shaikh Zayed believed in giving women their equal rights as men in society, and he did so as the society was growing to mature in this respect," Dr Al Mutawa said.

Dr Abdul Khaliq Abdullah, a prominent UAE educationist, said the policies of Shaikh Zayed in dealing with the outside world was based on 'realism'.

He underlined that on the issue of the UAE islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs occupied by Iran, the policy of Shaikh Zayed was realistic, and the UAE has been following peaceful means to get its rights.

He said Shaikh Zayed always believed that the occupied islands will one day return to the UAE. "The relations with our neighbour Iran remained in that peaceful perspective and the UAE still has diplomatic ties with Teheran," Dr Abdullah said, adding: "The word 'realistic' describes the policies and approach of late Shaikh Zayed."

Lieutenant-General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said the great achievements of Shaikh Zayed are now seen all over the UAE. "I flew recently for the first time by helicopter above Abu Dhabi, and I could see the massive growth witnessed in the capital."

"Shaikh Zayed did not aim to be popular. He worked for his people," Lt.-Gen. Dhahi said.

Zaki Naseeba, Adviser, Presidential Affairs, said Shaikh Zayed's generosity and large heartedness were seen by people around the world. His contributions to helping people affected by natural disasters and wars are a source of pride.

The greatness of Shaikh Zayed manifested in the commemoration held in November 2004 by representatives of the five geographical groups at the United Nations.

The representative of the African Group said Shaikh Zayed's efforts had brought the seven emirates of the UAE together in a show of unity, and making them a strong entity which has become a big economic powerhouse. The Asian representative lauded Shaikh Zayed's wisdom in the administration of his country's affairs and turning the UAE into a prosperous country using its resources.

The efforts of Shaikh Zayed in achieving peace and security in the region and the world were praised by all. His support to the Arab League was tremendous, and enabled the organisation to play an influential role in boosting international security and stability.

Representatives of Western Europe, the US, Latin America and the Caribbean praised the great achievements of Shaikh Zayed in boosting international cooperation and humanitarian work, and his generous contributions to help developing and poor nations.

The man who boasted of great qualities in full measure will remain a role model for his people and the whole of the Arab world. His legacy will remain for generations to come.