Sheikh Zayed didn't just build a nation. He invested in and empowered its people.

Next year will be the Year of Zayed. Khalid Al Ameri looks at some of his legacy

To mark 100 years since the birth of the country’s Founding Father, 2018 has been declared the “Year of Zayed” by the President, Sheikh Khalifa. Courtesy Al Ittihad

Sheikh Zayed reading the Quran during Ramadan. The announcement takes place on the anniversary of Sheikh Zayed's Accession Day - the day he assumed leadership in Abu Dhabi on August 6, 1966, marking the start of a new epoch in the history of the UAE. Courtesy of Al Ittihad

The Year of Zayed will highlight his role in establishing the Federation, and his local, regional and international achievements. Courtesy Al Ittihad

Sheikh Zayed attends a FNC meeting. The Year of Zayed will highlight his local, regional and international achievements.

Sheikh Khalifa said that establishing 2018 as the Year of Zayed reflected the unique standing that the late leader held in the hearts of every Emirati.

Sheikh Zayed visiting Marib Dam. Sheikh Khalifa called on the nation's people to uphold the noble values instilled in them by Sheikh Zayed - wisdom, respect, determination, loyalty, a sense of belonging to the nation, and a willingness to make sacrifices at whatever cost.

"The best way to celebrate the Year of Zayed would be by spreading Zayed's glorious human and cultural legacy via all the people of the UAE," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.

“We celebrate the centennial anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest and most noble men who dedicated his life for the present and future of the nation,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said.

Sheikh Zayed, seen here attending an early book fair in Abu Dhabi.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of Director of the National Media Council, said that the Year of Zayed aims to preserve the legacy of the Founding Father.

“The Year of Zayed is an opportunity to learn from the journey of wisdom and giving of the founder of the nation, to teach our sons and daughters about his journey and enable them to benefit and continue reaping the rewards,” he said.

“The values that the late Sheikh Zayed was keen to promote are derived from the tolerance of the Islamic religion, which encourages people to assist humanity."

The Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan.

Next year has been declared the "Year of Zayed" by Sheikh Khalifa, the President. As a man, a leader and humanitarian, Sheikh Zayed was so dearly loved by his people.

Some readers, perhaps those from outside the country or those who were not living in the UAE when he was alive, may wonder why, so let me elaborate.

I remember finding a picture of Sheikh Zayed that included the words: “they said I could invest in anything, so I invested in people”. For me, those words speak louder than any, and they explain why the people of the UAE, and many in the region and around the world, held Sheikh Zayed in such high regard.

His leadership is not just remembered for all that he built, it is remembered for all he did for others.

My father went from being a young man working on a stall dreaming of speaking English, to being given an opportunity to study business and finance in the United Kingdom due to the educational support policies put in place by Sheikh Zayed. Upon returning to this country, my father went on to build a home for us through the national housing programme. In retirement, he has also benefited from the social programmes, including access to healthcare, that were put in place during the 1970s and 1980s.

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Sheikh Zayed also did plenty for those around the world. In 1971, under his directive, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development was established "to provide financial resources to help developing countries achieve sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty".

For me that shows a man who had a vision of humanity and development beyond his country's borders.

More than 80 of the world's countries have had access to billions of dirhams of funding since its inception.

Sheikh Zayed wanted to empower people. He believed that people regardless of race, colour or religion deserved to live with dignity, that they deserved a chance to live a better life and that they deserved a chance to provide for their families, a chance to live free and be happy.

In today's world, where fear is being used as a source of power and influence, 2018 will be a great reminder that the love of people is the greatest source of power a country, a government and a leader can have.

So for me, 2018 is a celebration of what Sheikh Zayed loved and worked for most: the people. It's a celebration of humanity, it's a celebration that with kindness, love and tolerance, things can and will become better.