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Sheikh Zayed's humanitarian legacy lives on...

Dubai - The UAE Federal Cabinet decided to mark Ramadan 19 as the death anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed, for his role in making the UAE what it is today

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All over the UAE today, Emiratis and expatriates alike will be honouring the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. A man known for his charity, achievements and good reputation, he may no longer be living, but his legacy certainly remains alive in the hearts and minds of the UAE people.
From its independence in 1971 until his death in 2004, Sheikh Zayed ruled the UAE for over 33 years and was the pioneer of the nation's rapid development process. And his is a name that has become synonymous with kindness and generosity.
UAE comes together to remember Zayed legacy
Noted as one of the country's most loyal sons, Sheikh Zayed - affectionately referred to as the founding father of the UAE - dedicated his life to serving his country and his people.
Because of his unforgettable presence in making the UAE the powerful and forward-thinking country that it is today, on November 27, 2012, the UAE Federal Cabinet decided to mark Ramadan 19 as the death anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed - and so named the day 'Zayed Humanitarian Day'.
What the observance day does is allows both men and women, young and old, the opportunity to be grateful for all his accomplishments.
When 'Zayed Humanitarian Day' debuted in Ramadan 2013, the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, called on everyone - individuals, government and private institutions - to support, sponsor and participate in the observance day to uphold the values of "goodness, nobility and giving".

Generosity beyond borders

But Sheikh Zayed's giving nature extended far beyond just his home nation, it was felt all over the globe. With the aim of instilling a culture of volunteerism and humanitarian cooperation in his people, he established the Zayed Foundation for Charity and Humanitarian Works in 1992. And since its inception more than two decades ago, that seed of giving has grown tremendously.
Starting out with a capital of more than one million dollars in the arena of philanthropy, the foundation has since donated more than $460 million to various charity programmes and humanitarian projects spanning 96 countries throughout the Arab world, Asia, Africa and Europe.
But Sheikh Zayed was in fact someone who didn't like to talk about his philanthropy, and instead went in with the mentality of doing, not saying. And it was that humble characteristic that people cherished in him.
Now more than ever, in the year which is dedicated to giving, the death anniversary of Sheikh Zayed further reminds residents of the importance of humanitarian work and the culture of giving, as the core lessons learnt from the late Ruler.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

What is Zayed Humanitarian Day?

This observance day is dedicated to celebrating the values set by the UAE's late, inspirational leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.
The core principles he set down as a leader have now become the living, breathing fabric of the UAE as a nation.
On November 27, 2012, the UAE Federal Cabinet decided to mark Ramadan 19, as the death anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed, and so named the day 'Zayed Humanitarian Work Day'.
He is a man who has helped realise the aspirations of the UAE and led its progress in all fields. On this day, Ramadan 19, we honour and celebrate the values of compassion, giving and volunteerism of the late Sheikh Zayed.