ABU DHABI // As streets across the UAE light up with colour and are adorned with flags in celebration of the 42nd National Day, the Founding Father of this prosperous nation is remembered with love, respect and fondness.
Memories are revived through the hearts and souls of those who were fortunate enough to share a moment with him; a moment that will live with them until the day they die as they treasure his legacy.
Sheikh Zayed’s fatherly presence was often felt as he toured the UAE, emirate by emirate, touching the lives of people of all ages, social statuses and nationalities.
A good listener, Sheikh Zayed was known to often travel unguarded, meeting his people and giving to those who were in need. He was a man of his word, approachable and was always eager to listen to the concerns expressed by his people.
Meeting Sheikh Zayed was rarely a dificult mission to accomplish as the doors to his majlis were always open to visitors of all kinds.
Those who have met him speak of their memories with a smile that does not leave their face as they remember what he said or did. His words linger in their memory, as they reminisce, speaking with emotion as they recall a cherished moment.
Here, some of those who were lucky enough to meet the great man, share their photographs and memories of those treasured encounters.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 22, aged 7 in the picture. Picture dates from the 1990s.
“This picture was taken during a camel race. Memories fade with time but pictures capture moments that live on forever. No words can express how lucky I feel to have known him. He will be in my heart, always,” she said.
Chaltham Ameen
Chaltham Ameen, 70, housewife. Picture was taken during Sheikh Zayed’s tour of Ajman, when she was 14.
“I first met Sheikh Zayed as a student. He came to visit my school in Ajman and I had to explain the sort of activities we do. At every stage of my life, he continued to be the greatest teacher, not only to myself but to an entire nation,” she said.
Alia Al Mazroui
Alia Al Mazroui, 33, co-founder of Just Falafel. The picture was taken in the 1990s during an opening at the Cultural Foundation.
“I was 8 or 9 in the picture and I remember he kept holding my hand the whole time. When the people there would offer him something, he would share it with me,” she said.
Maha Misto
Maha Misto, the general director of Green Bird Boutique. She is a Jordanian who has been in the UAE for 30 years.
“Meeting him was a dream come true. He passed my shop during the opening of Marina Mall and all I wanted was to say hello. I was lucky to have that chance. I cried, held his hand and kissed it over 100 times. He kept asking if I needed anything because I was crying; I told him all I wanted was to hold his hand. I was the happiest woman and I really can never forget that day,” she said.
Abla Al Nowais
Abla Al Nowais, the owner of Libra training and media consultancy and the former media consultant to the presidential court. The picture was taken during the opening of the first Women’s Union, in 1977.
“I was 22 and worked as a news editor for Zahrat Al Khaleej magazine. I chose this picture of me with Sheikh Zayed specifically because I consider this day to be the turning point of women in the UAE. Sheikh Zayed was a believer in women’s rights and a man who encouraged women to pursue an education and to join the workforce. He wanted me, as a woman, to cover this particular event when he could have chosen anyone. It is proof of a great man who had a clear future vision, and we can see his vision happening today,” she said.
