Both Sheikh Zayed and Mandela stood for common ideals

The UAE's founding father had a lot in common with South Africa's anti-apartheid hero.

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A wave of sadness has swept over the world after the demise of the widely honoured and loved leader, Nelson Mandela. For many in the UAE, the loss of the light that was Mandela has brought back a nostalgic feeling of deep sorrow because in less than a decade, the UAE has experienced the loss of yet another hero and leader of justice and progress.

I had the honour and privilege to listen to Mandela speak during his visit to the UAE in 2001 at the American University of Sharjah. Before this momentous day, I had heard the speeches, read the stories and watched the movies and documentaries made about the life of Mandela, numerous times over. But nothing could prepare me for the overwhelming power of hope and love one man could have over so many.

It was not a speech about politics, imprisonment or his struggle against apartheid. Instead, he spoke of the future and the duty we as a people had towards ensuring something better for many generations to come. After his speech, I understood how Mandela inspired a nation towards bettering itself, no matter what obstacles stood in its way.

And it reminded me immediately of how our late present Sheikh Zayed shared the same passion and love for his country that inspired his nation towards greatness.

During his speech at the American University of Sharjah, Mandela said: “What is crucial is that the ruler must love his people, because if he loves them, he can serve them well.” In his speech, he also acknowledged Sheikh Zayed as an exemplary leader who had an abundance of love for his people.

And this is where the loss lies for the people of the UAE. Mandela was not only a figure of freedom and justice, he was a reminder to the people of the UAE that Sheikh Zayed did not stand alone as a visionary leader dedicated to the pursuit of improvement of the lives of his people. Mandela led the emancipation of South Africa from white minority rule and served as his country’s first black president. Sheikh Zayed united the disparate tribes of seven emirates and he became the country’s first president.

After triumphing over apartheid, Mandela spent many years using all his efforts to end the strife that existed between black and white South Africans, ensuring peace among his people that would allow his nation to grow. Similarly, Sheikh Zayed spent all his years as president of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi among his people, leading by example, inspiring a union between tribes that were previously separated by geography, traditions and history. For many years, he stood alone as a model of peace and cultural understanding for all Emiratis.

Both men fought their entire lives against all odds to create a nation that would provide and support its citizens in every possible way. They both fought for the right of every citizen to be respected by all others, regardless of colour, family or tribe, beliefs or origin. And they fought for the prosperity of their people by uniting a nation that once stood separate.

Mandela stood for hope for the people of the UAE, that great selfless leaders existed all over the world, from different religious and cultural backgrounds. In a time where catastrophes and unthinkable injustices were being committed by politicians against their people, Emiratis knew that another true and incorruptible leader existed and this led many in the UAE to love and respect Mandela as a reflection of the nation’s founding father.

And as Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh said, “This is as much India’s loss as South Africa’s”, calling him “a true Gandhian”. In the UAE, the feeling is shared. But while the roaring torch of Sheikh Zayed dimmed, his children carried his light boldly forward to guide the way.

As was the case in the UAE, hopes are with the people of South Africa that Mandela’s true leadership continues to remain in the hearts of his people, particularly those with the duty to lead his country forward.

Taryam Al Subaihi is a political and social commentator who specialises in media and communications

On Twitter: @TaryamAlSubaihi