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Zayeds personality unforgettable

DUBAI - It was a year ago that the the Arab world in general and the UAE in particular, lost a great visionary leader in the form of Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. A great statesman, Shaikh Zayed is remembered, not just across the region and the Arab countries, where his humanitarian efforts continue to nurture thousands to this day, but across the world. Following are the excerpts from a mass of glowing tributes paid by UAE nationals and expatriates to Shaikh Zayed.

Dr Khalid Al Khazraji, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs: Shaikh Zayed has built a country based on solid and stable fundamentals. He dedicated his life for the sake of setting up a strong country. He did not stop at only founding the country, but his main concern was the advancement of this nation through development and the education of its people.

Shaikh Zayed was a man who had vision and who worked to fulfil it. He did not spare efforts and focused on building up a country based on solid pillars. Zayed has succeeded in that and the proof of this lies in the fact that the UAE is now, after his demise, capable of pursuing his march by following his approach, his concept and stands and as well by implementing his principles and ideology. Leaders are following on Zayed’s march because he set up solid pillars for the country that succeeded to bring significant achievements to the country. Good leaders are usually recognised by the achievements they made which are noted after their departure, but Shaikh Zayed’s achievements were appreciated during his lifetime as well as after his demise. This is not only by the UAE people, but by leaders and people of other countries as well.

Humaid bin Dimas, Assistant Under-Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for Labour Sector: Before being a ruler, Shaikh Zayed was the founder of the country’s development. He put the country among the developed countries.

Although Shaikh Zayed did not hold academic certificates, he initiated a methodology in leadership and the ruling people that many educated rulers have failed in achieving any success. This is because he was a genuine character who followed the voice of good of his nature. Based on that, he got the necessary experience and wisdom to lead people.

During my schooling days, I used to read his sayings and interviews in the Press. I used to believe that his sayings were so good because of the writer’s pen. In 1989, I had met Shaikh Zayed and I got stunned and overwhelmed by his character. Whatever I read before were even lesser than what this man was and had for his people. I found out that this man was not only the leader of the UAE but of the whole Arab and Muslim nation. He wanted good to spread to all humanity and not only the people of the UAE.

During that meeting, Shaikh Zayed had urged nationals to get involved in work to feel responsible and to earn their living from their forehead sweat. Shaikh Zayed had noted that the government can afford pay for the living of jobless nationals as good is plenty. But, However, he call on them to work and feel responsible to contribute to their own development.

Shaikh Zayed’s leadership methodology and school should be investigated, studied and archived to be taught to the future generations.

He was the father to all before being a leader and ruler. He instilled may values in us that we will never forget and we are teaching our children these values.

Shaikh Zayed’s name is engraved in our hearts as a father and as a character who resembled the country, man, good, humanity, development, unity and generosity.

When Shaikh Zayed passed away, people cried. Our sole tribute is that the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the good successor to the good ancestor. Shaikh Khalifa proved during the last 12 months that the country continues following Zayed’s march.

Lieutenant-Colonel Khalid Majid Lootah, Assistant Director Incharge of Information Technology and Quality, Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department: Shaikh Zayed was a great personality that brought for us a great leader. Everyone of us was considering Zayed a model examples that he and she should emulate. His first investment was in providing learning opportunities to his people.

Shaikh Zayed believed that investing in human resources is the only way to achieve development.

May Allah have mercy on him for the good deeds he rendered not only to his people but to all in many countries in the world! Shaikh Zayed is still with us despite his departure, in his sayings and deeds. He is a model example for each and every Muslim. He loved good for all so all have loved him and he is still and will remain with us ever.

Brigadier Dr Jamal Al Merry, Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Dubai Police, said: What the late Shaikh Zayed did for his people is unforgettable. The people of the UAE are living with the achievements made during Shaikh Zayed’s rule.

Shaikh Zayed will remain living in the hearts of his people for the good deeds he rendered to his nation. He was a man who personally approached his people to find out their living conditions and their problems. People of the UAE will never forget such a great man whose greatness emerged from his keen and humble nature.

A character like Shaikh Zayed cannot be forgotten. He will remain the minaret that all people of the UAE will look at to follow the right direction.

Reda Hassan Salman: We will never forget Shaikh Zayed because his character, work, efforts, and generosity have shaped and influenced all sectors of the society, right down to the individual. We pray for him in all our prayers, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, and we promise ourselves that we continue what he started and had in his vision for the country, with our commitment to the leadership of Shaikh Khalifa and his brothers.