Nineteen years ago, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan passed away, leaving behind a legacy, that has been carried on year after year in the UAE.
Known as the Founding Father, or the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Zayed passed away on the 19th day of Ramadan in 2004, which at the time fell on November 2.
Today, 19 years after his passing, UAE rulers, led by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, have poured their tributes to the humanitarian vision of the late leader.
“As we mark #ZayedHumanitarianDay 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,” Sheikh Mohamed said via Twitter, sharing a series of photographs featuring Sheikh Zayed.
In addition, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, took to Twitter reminding everyone of Sheikh Zayed’s “impact.”
“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..,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council also took to Twitter to say: “May God have mercy on the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan… On the 19th of Ramadan every year, we celebrate a biography and march of benevolence, generosity and white hands whose impact extended from the land of the Emirates to include many around the world.”
Who is Sheikh Zayed?
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is known as the founder and first President of the UAE.
Born in Abu Dhabi in 1918, Sheikh Zayed was the son of the ruler of Abu Dhabi at the time. Sheikh Zayed is widely regarded as the father of the nation for his instrumental role in creating and developing the UAE.
Sheikh Zayed became the ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and played a key role in the formation of the UAE in 1971.
He was elected as the first President of the UAE and served in that position until his death in 2004.
Under his leadership, the UAE transformed from a small desert nation to a modern and prosperous country.
He was known for his commitment to modernisation, education, and social welfare, and for his efforts to promote regional stability and cooperation.
Sheikh Zayed’s legacy is still celebrated in the UAE today, with many public institutions, including hospitals, universities, and cultural centers, bearing his name.