Sheikh Zayed's close aide honoured posthumously

Abdul Jalil Al Fahim was a close aide of Sheikh Zayed

A number of Emirati families were honoured for their selfless contribution during the UAE Pioneers Award on Tuesday.
The families were recognised and awarded by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
But what was perhaps one of the biggest highlights of the day, was the award given to the family of Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, a man who passed away 21-year-ago.
Abdul Jalil Al Fahim was honoured even after his passing, for making Dh360 million endowment, including for healthcare in Fujairah.
His grandson, Khalifa Al Fahim, spoke to Khaleej Times about his reflections of his grandfather's contributions and what it means to be awarded the UAE Pioneers Award.

"This award shows that the country never forgets about its people, even after their death. It has been 21 years since my grandfather passed away, yet our leaders still remember him and have even awarded him for his work."
The 31-year-old senior systems analyst said this is a moment that he will never forget. "The award can't come at a better time, especially with the National Day coming up."
He said although it has been more than two decades since his grandfather passed away, he is happy that his name continues to live, through charitable work.
Al Fahim also shared stories of how the UAE's Father, the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his grandfather had a unique friendship, which was "unlike any other."
"Sheikh Zayed and my grandfather were best friends, until the day he passed away. They travelled together, worked together, and more importantly, they envisioned the future of the UAE together," he added.

"They both shared the same ideas of what the country could be."Al Fahim shared some personal photos of Sheikh Zayed and Al Fahim, which show them looking at a map of the UAE Capital, as well as another photo of them on a helicopter.
"This photo of Sheikh Zayed and my grandfather in the helicopter was taken when they were looking at the foundation work of Abu Dhabi and planning what it could look like - when they were building the infrastructure."
He said his grandfather always tried to instil the ideas of empathy, sympathy and giving, especially to the youngest members of the family.
"I still remember when we were kids, everyday before we go to school, we would go to my grandfather's house and he would give us lunch money and prepare drinks for us. He would give us words of encouragement and words of kindness before we embark on our journey. I remember everything like it was yesterday.
Al Fahim said he is truly thankful for the award, and hopes to pass it down to his children one day.
"Today, I learnt that my grandfather had left behind so much that I have to make him proud."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi