Zayed Humanitarian Day a 'significant milestone' in UAE's journey

Anniversary of the death of the UAE's Founding Father is marked on Ramadan 19

An Emirati man kisses the picture of Sheikh Zayed during his funeral. AFP

Mourners wave images of Sheikh Zayed as they wait for the funeral procession to pass by on the way to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in November 2004. AP

Today, the 19th day of Ramadan, also marks the passing of Sheikh Zayed. Wam

Sheikh Zayed reviews plans for Emirates University with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan in 1974. National Archives

Sheikh Zayed at the Friends of the Disabled Festival in Abu Dhabi in 1987. National Archives

Zayed Humanitarian Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the chairman of Emirates Red Crescent said.

The event takes place on the 19th day of Ramadan, which also marks the anniversary of the death of Sheikh Zayed in 2004.

"While we have lost the champion of humanity, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, we renew our pledge and loyalty on the anniversary of his passing to continue his humanitarian legacy," said Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, state news agency Wam reported.

"The UAE continues on the same path to enhance its humanitarian message and bear its responsibility in alleviating the suffering of humanity."

The UAE will remain on course to honour Sheikh Zayed's legacy, Sheikh Hamdan said.

"For us at the ERC, Zayed Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to reflect on our journey, evaluate our progress and push it forward," he said.

"We actively contribute to mobilising support for programmes, developing partnerships with all sectors of society, and spreading the values and principles that we seek to achieve."

The day represents a significant milestone in the UAE's humanitarian journey, Sheikh Hamdan said.

The UAE is undertaking several philanthropic projects, which are said to reflect the ethos of Sheikh Zayed.

Among these is The Mothers' Endowment campaign, which was launched at the beginning of Ramadan.

The education fund launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to help disadvantaged families worldwide has already raised Dh770 million ($209.6 million) in two weeks.

Another project highlighted was the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, launched this month.

The project aims to address water scarcity issues around the world.

Zayed Humanitarian Day honours the philanthropic path laid down by Sheikh Zayed for generations of Emiratis to follow.

Under his leadership, the Abu Dhabi Development Fund was established in 1971, while the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation was set up in 1992.