Shaikh Zayed: Remembering the great humanitarian

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Published: Fri 24 Jun 2016, 4:20 PM

Last updated: Wed 14 Aug 2024, 11:16 AM

Today, UAE residents - Emiratis and expats alike - mark Zayed Humanitarian Day held every year on the 19th day of Ramadan in memory of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE.

By Staff Reporter

Shaikh Zayed, who ruled the UAE for over 33 years from its independence in 1971 until his death in 2004, was one of the UAE's most loyal sons, having dedicated his life to the service of his country and his people. He helped realise the aspirations of the UAE and led its progress in all fields.

In a statement marking Zayed Humanitarian Day, Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President's Representative, said the late Shaikh Zayed's efforts contributes to the establishment of a 'cultural renaissance' which has continued ever since.

"Today, we mark the anniversary of the death of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Twelve years have passed, and the UAE and the world still remembers him as he developed the capabilities of Emiratis to build the country," he said. "On this occasion titled Zayed Humanitarian Day, we recall the legacy of the father, the late Shaikh Zayed, as this day emphasises his presence among us, his people and nation. The late Shaikh Zayed, a man of charity, achievements, good reputation and the pioneer of the development process, is unforgettable, and this day is an opportunity to be grateful of his accomplishments."

"The late Shaikh Zayed is still alive, not only in the hearts and minds of the people of the UAE and the Arab and Islamic nations, but across the world due to his great achievements. Shaikh Zayed efforts, time and money resulted in the country's comprehensive cultural boom," he added. "The late Shaikh Zayed is be a symbol of accomplishments, who established the country, founded the union and built its institutions. Shaikh Zayed died, but he left us with good successors," Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed added.

Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, stressed the importance of continuing Shaikh Zayed's "march of development and to build on his achievements to remain among the top countries in humanitarian works."
"There is hardly a country in the world that had not benefited from the deeds of the late Shaikh Zayed," she added. "May Allah reward him for his assistance to the poor and needy people. He will always be remembered for his humanitarian and charitable deeds."
Shaikha Fatima added that Shaikh Zayed will long be remembered for his efforts on behalf of the women of the UAE.
"The late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan recognised that women make up one half of society and any nation cannot function if potentials of that half are ignored. He encouraged women to pursue education and to assume higher positions," she stated.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, RTA, noted that Zayed Humanitarian Day is also a celebration of the UAE's values of giving and love instilled by Shaikh Zayed.
"Thanks to the assistance it delivers to various countries globally, the UAE has shot to the forefront as a leader of humanitarian activities at regional and international levels. Charitable activities have become a methodology and identity characterising our country under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, along with Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates," he said.

Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, said that Shaikh Zayed cemented the UAE as a leader in charity work and deployed the state's resources and capabilities to advocate for the weak and the needy, to protect them from the risks of poverty, disease and illiteracy.
UAE's humanitarian work abroad
- The UAE holds the No 1 position in the world for humanitarian aid as a percentage of total GDP, at 17.1 per cent.
- In 2014, official UAE development aid reached $4.89 billion, benefitting 71 countries.
- Since 2009, the UAE has provided Dh6.2 billion to refugees in 71 host countries, and Dh858 million has been used to eradicate polio in the developing world and provide clean water.
- More than 5.2 million children have benefit-ted from the UAE's efforts to provide clothing for the less fortunate.
- The "UAE's helping hands" project administered the polio vaccination to more than 13 million Pakistani children.
- Over the last three years, the UAE has contributed Dh8.9 billion to support inter-national efforts to eradicate poverty around the world.
- The UAE's "UAE Watering Aid" has pledged Dh140 million to provide clean water to 5.6 million people across the world.
-reporters@khaleejtimes.com