Zayed's legacy leaves lasting impression

About 50 orphans gather to hear about true generosity of Shaikh Zayed at Dubai Heritage Village in commemoration of Zayed Humanitarian Work Day.

Dubai - Twelve-year-old orphans, Mohammed Aziz, Abdul Rahman Fadel and Ismail Ahmed have one message for the late Shaikh Zayed: "We love you pa. We will always remember you."
The three youngsters joined 46 fellow orphans at Dubai Heritage Village on Monday to commemorate Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, dedicated to the memory of the UAE's founding father.

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) organised the diverse array of activities to support 'The UAE Initiative for Connection with Orphans and Minors' launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The children gathered to hear about the true generosity of the late Shaikh Zayed and were made to feel as part of one big family - just as he wanted his people to feel.
With seven representatives from different organisations, including Dubai Civil Defence, each taking on the role as 'mother' or 'father' to the seven of the orphans, each group represented one of the seven Emirates.

During the evening's event, the children collectively planted ghaf trees while the representing 'parent' explained the importance of agriculture - a message Shaikh Zayed often conveyed to his people in his living years.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Visual Arts Manager at Dubai Culture, Khalil Abdul Wahid, said the ghaf trees were selected because they are native to the UAE.
"This was a great lesson for the children on the importance of looking after the land. To see them listening so intently to their nominated 'mothers' and 'fathers' was so humbling to see."
Young Mohammed, who described Shaikh Zayed as a 'great teacher' told Khaleej Times: "He taught me to not harm animals and to look after plants and trees."
And for Abdul Rahman, his 'kindness' was one of his favourite things.
"When I get married I will teach my children the same thing," he said.
Later in the evening, the children set free 50 pigeons as a symbol of freedom, and all were presented with a gift before Iftar with the officials.
Before opening his fast, Isamil said he will always remember Shaikh Zayed for the 'good he has taught us all'.
"He would give to the poor and treat all the people like his own children. This is something I will teach to people who are younger than me. We are all one family," he added.
Shaikh Zayed Humantarian Work Day acts as a reminder to all residents of the importance of humanitarian work and the culture of giving.
Dubai Culture's Manager of the Director-General's Office and Manager of Social Initiatives, Khawla Baniyas, said Monday's event was about making the orphan children feel part of a complete family.
"We want to show them that Shaikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE, treated everyone the same, so they should not feel alone." - kelly@khaleejtimes.com

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