• 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
    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
    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
    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 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 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.
    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.
    "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.
    “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.
    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.
    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 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 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.
    The Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan.

Heritage

Year of Zayed: UAE celebrates its founding father

'It is the duty to preserve Sheikh Zayed’s legacy': Emiratis welcome that 2018 will be the Year of Zayed

Mina Aldroubi
Mina Aldroubi
Abu Dhabi

August 07, 2017

  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE is celebrating it's founding father, Sheikh Zayed’s timeless legacy.

The celebration comes as 2018 has been declared the Year of Zayed, the President, Sheikh Khalifa announced on Sunday.

The President 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.

UAE leaders and Emiratis voiced their joy  on social media by sharing video footage, photos and wisdom of the fouding father.

“We look forward to making the Year of Zayed exceptional with new projects and initiatives inspired by his legacy” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Meanwhile, Minister of State, Noura Al Kaabi, stated “2018 has been declared Year of Zayed, a great initiative that will instill the values of our founding father and celebrate his achievements”.

While, Aisha Bishr, director general at Smart Dubai office highlighted the role of the late leader in establishing a state that upholds noble values including those of respect, loyalty and tolerance.

Hazza bin Banan confimred that  "the land that Zayed loved and adored will always be faithful to him and alive in his memory".

While, Abdulla bin Jawdar expressed his joy on Twitter by stating that "Sheikh Zayed was a grace of God, he is alive in our hearts even after death".

“It is the duty of the future generation to preserve Sheikh Zayed’s legacy” said Abdulla Al Junaibi, chairman of UAE Pro League.

Mr Al Junaibi highlighted Sheikh Zayed's unique system of morals and values, and how they shaped the conscience of the UAE people.

“It was his priority to develop the people of the UAE in all walks of life, to give them comfort security and prosperity” added Mr Aljunaibi.

Whereas Nahla bin Fahad, founder of Beyond Studios, portrayed the role of the founding father in establishing the UAE state.

Born in 1918 to the Bani Yas tribe in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the president of the UAE in 1971, a role he maintained until he passed away in 2004.

"God has created millions of leaders, but none like Sheikh Zayed" said Twitter users AAlfalah.

While, Roudha expressed joy by stating on Twitter “I feel proud and happy to know that 2018 will mark 100 years of birth of a legendary man of wisdom and leadership”.

Sheikh KhalifaSheikh ZayedUAE