UAE President shares rare photos of Sheikh Zayed as nation marks Humanitarian Day

UAE Rulers, Sheikhs, top officials, Emiratis and expats came together as one to pay salutes to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on his death anniversary. The 19th of the holy month of Ramadan is marked as Zayed Humanitarian Day in the UAE. It commemorates the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed and his unwavering commitment to humanitarian work.

Leading the tributes was the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who shared some rare photos of the late leader.

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“As we mark Zayed Humanitarian Day, we continue to be guided by the values the late Sheikh Zayed, who cared deeply about all people and their dignity. His generosity and compassion touched lives around the world and continues to inspire the UAE's humanitarian work today,” tweeted Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, followed with a heartwarming message, saying:

"He passed away in his body.. and his impact remained.. and we remember every day its goodness... May God have mercy on those who instilled the values of giving in his people.. and raised the building of this state on the basis of mercy with morals, and benevolence to human beings.. in the gardens of eternity, O Zayed of goodness.."

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman said the Founding Father will always remain a role model and one-of-a-kind leader.

“Sheikh Zayed was not only a leader, but also a father and remarkable human being, with a heart that beat with compassion and humanity, opening his doors to any who came to visit or wished to meet him,” the Ajman Ruler said.

His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, said the late leader's impact stretched across the region and the world. “Zayed Humanitarian Day is a time to reignite Zayed's torch by launching more impactful humanitarian initiatives and projects that would help reduce poverty and boost the economy and development of other countries.”

Visionary leader

Sheikh Zayed was a visionary leader who believed the true measure of society's progress and prosperity is not in material possessions, but in the well-being of its people, the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office wrote on its website to mark the occasion.

"He understood that the path to a better future lies through selfless service and benevolence. Between 1971 and 2004, the UAE donated more than Dh90 billion to 117 countries to help build mosques, hospitals, cultural centres, and other development projects."

The media office posted a video highlighting how the late leader's humanitarian legacy continues years after his passing:

“The legacy of Sheikh Zayed's giving spirit lives on in his descendants, and through the UAE's many humanitarian and charity initiatives. The country's leadership has continued to follow in his footsteps, channeling resources and efforts towards uplifting the lives of those in need, not only domestically, but around the world.”

Benefitting humanity

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) posted a video that highlights how Sheikh Zayed's actions and foresight continue to help those in need around the world:

The UAE significantly contributes to humanitarian aid, providing vital assistance to people affected by conflicts and disasters worldwide. "In 2020, the UAE was ranked the world's largest donor of development assistance relative to its gross domestic product, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The UAE's humanitarian and charitable efforts extend across education, healthcare, and infrastructure development," said the media office.

Mohammed Al Qasim, Director-General of the Emirates Schools Establishment, posted a video featuring rare footages of the humanitarian in action:

The Executive Council of Dubai shared a video that shows the late Sheikh Zayed as a timeless leader:

The Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi's video had rare images of the late leader:

sahim@khaleejtimes.com

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