'Shaikh Zayed role in UAE development unmatched in history'

ABU DHABI — An invaluable contribution of the late president Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan came with his efforts to unify Arab ranks.

By N. Srinivasan

Published: Fri 17 Dec 2004, 12:09 PM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 1:30 PM

A large measure of success in the experiment witnessed in the coming together of the seven once disparate emirates to form the strong edifice of a Federation.

Commending the all round contribution of Shaikh Zayed to the growth and development of the Federation ever since it came into being on December 2, 1971, a special issue brought out by Zakum Development Company (Zadco) to pay tributes to the departed leader, described the formation of the Federation as the most successful experiment in forging unity in the Arab world.

Shaikh Zayed's dream did not end with this historic achievement as he went on to pave the course of its future at every step, over a period of 33 years, to ensure the country a pride of place in the comity of nations.

The issue titled 'Zayed remains in our hearts', features articles highlighting the contributions of Shaikh Zayed in various aspects in the principles of governance, and in diverse fields such as education, medical services, environment and afforestation, and the oil and gas industry.

In testing times, Shaikh Zayed drew strength from his firm belief that rulers are responsible for their peoples and should deal with one another on the basis of forgiveness, mercy, discussions and dialogues, and not through war and destruction.

At the regional level, Shaikh Zayed played an instrumental role in the founding of the six-member Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC) that befittingly materialised to hold its first summit meeting in Abu Dhabi in 1981.

Recalling the early period when Shaikh Zayed was Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region of Al Ain in 1946, from where he went on to become the Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and then on to become the President in 1971 — the tribute described his long period of service in the cause of the nation and its people as unprecedented in the annals of history.