100 years of Zayed, an inspiration for KT at 40

Sheikh Zayed disseminated, in both word and deed, sincerity and noble human values.

By Mustafa Al Zarooni

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Published: Sun 15 Apr 2018, 6:00 PM

Last updated: Mon 16 Apr 2018, 2:06 AM

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is a veritable beacon in the memories of Emiratis down the generations, thanks to the ideas he ingrained in the minds of his people and the firm stand he took on the UAE's ambitions and progress.
On the occasion Khaleej Times' 40th anniversary, we would do good to pay heed to the values of the great leader whose birth centenary year coincides with our landmark 40th anniversary.
Sheikh Zayed disseminated, in both word and deed, sincerity and noble human values. His decisions gave rise to a culture, legacy, a school of thought and a national approach that have matched every standard of modern civilisation. They enabled the UAE to come a long way in a short time and build a solid foundation for itself.
Sheikh Zayed said: "Our major obj-ective in the UAE is to build a nation and its people. The nationals are the real wealth of this country. A man is more important than oil, and the int-erest of the nation lies in the goal that we pursue day and night.
"People are the essential core and pillar of the comprehensive economic and social development process."
The late leader also considered the media an important marker of progress. The media conveys the aspirations and problems of the people, the truth and honest views coupled with responsibility. This made the UAE shining example in the Arab region and the world.
In the late 1960s, Sheikh Zayed ordered the establishment of media facilities, including the Abu Dhabi-based Al Ittihad Arabic daily. He wanted news from the different emirates covered, even before they came together to form the union.
The history of the Emirati local media began between the late 1960s to early 1980s. The then leadership's early vision took into account the voice of the citizens and communicated government decisions transparently to the people of the UAE.
Sheikh Zayed's vision designated the media as a primary supporter of the emirates. It also showcased the country's projects in the domestic context and its external relations, internationally. Essentially, it was the beginning of the UAE's soft power.
Through the media, Sheikh Zayed strived to boost freedom of speech and expression, as well as transparency and truth. The great leader was keen on various Arab causes and took a strong stand on the Arab-Israeli war. He famously said: "Arab oil can never be dearer than Arab blood."
This historic statement shaped the political approach of the UAE. He was full of wise advice for the local journalists: "Write whatever you hear and all you see." On another occasion, he said: "Media must convey people's views in full honesty."
He gave one of his famous answers in 1996, when he was asked by a foreign reporter in Geneva: "Why do you spend money lavishly on your people?" Sheikh Zayed replied: "If you have money, won't you spend it on your children? All my people are my children."
Baba Zayed had a profound philosophy on everything. His vision rested on tolerance and charity. On the back of these, he built up a country to greatness in no time. His principles and vision continue to take us - and our media - on the right path.
malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com