The current year 2018 will be celebrated as the “Year of Zayed”, (عام زايد) as per the declaration of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.
So what is this year about? It is the 100th Birthday of the father of the nation, since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, known also as Baba Zayed, the Founding Father of the UAE, who passed away on November 2, 2004, in Abu Dhabi.
In the memories of Sheikh Zayed the father of the Nation, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates has announced that the year 2018 will officially be known and will be celebrated as the (عام زايد) in the United Arab Emirates, UAE.
This Year will also highlight his local, regional, and international achievements and continue to form the basis of this country’s development during the governance of the founder of UAE.
The Year will seek to share Sheikh Zayed’s values and ideologies, as well as one of the greatest world leaders, with motivating wisdom, vision, and patience. This Year of Zayed 2018 celebration will strengthen Sheikh Zayed’s importance as a symbol of patriotism and love for the UAE nationals.
A lot of events and ceremonies will be arranged this year. These events include showing the impact and legacy of Sheikh Zayed and supporting the morals that he displayed throughout his life in innovative and interactive ways.
Consistent with the values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it is planned that the Year will include people of all ages, nationalities, faiths, and backgrounds in the UAE and internationally.
The ‘School of Zayed’, he said, is a source of motivation for every step that the UAE takes; a solid foundation for the union of the federal structure of our young nation; and a moving stone for its future, full of strength and respect, leading up to the creation of one of the finest countries in the world.
His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa also stressed that the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed will stay alive not only in the hearts of the UAE people and Arab and Muslim nations but all over the world.
The President added, “The Year of Zayed (عام زايد) will be a year in which the nation preserves the legacy of Zayed, and our people will live the values of Zayed, and work together to achieve the vision of Zayed.”
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan’s Famous Quotes
Here are some famous Quotes from UAE’s founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan which are motivational words for the whole UAE nation and all around the world also.
On Democracy
“I am not imposing change on anyone. That is tyranny. All of us have our opinions, and these opinions can change. Sometimes we put all opinions together and then extract from them a single point of view. This is our democracy.” Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On tolerance and respect
“To treat every person, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul, is a mark of Islam.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On True Wealth
“Every individual has to perform his duty. Man is mortal, but his work is not. Therefore, work is greater than wealth.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On Priorities
“Arab oil can never be dearer than Arab blood.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Past, Present and Future
“He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On Work Ethics and Impact on Society
“It is my duty as the leader of the young people of this country to encourage them to work and to exert themselves in order to raise their own standards and to be of service to the country. The individual who is healthy and of a sound mind and body but who does not work commits a crime against himself and society.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On Being Prepared for Change
“Situations change from time to time. A friend may become an enemy and an enemy a friend. Life is inconsistent and ever changing. So are health and weather. We must, therefore, be prepared for the unexpected changes coming our way.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
The Real Spirit behind the Progress
“No matter how many buildings, foundations, schools and hospitals we build, or how many bridges we raise, all these are material entities. The real spirit behind the progress is the human spirit, the able man with his intellect and capabilities.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
The Media
“The Press has the duty as well as the right to criticize. We welcome constructive criticism.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Unity, Stability and Hopes
“Past years have emphasized the importance of unity as a vital necessity for providing a better life to the people, for ensuring stability in the country and for realizing the hopes and aspirations of our people.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
We are ready to listen
“Our system of government is based on our religion and this is what our people want. Should they seek alternatives, we are ready to listen to them. We are all in the same boat, and they are both captain and crew.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On Leadership
“The Ruler should not have any barrier which separates him from his people.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On Female Empowerment
“Islam affords women their rightful status, and encourages them to work in all sectors, as long as they are afforded appropriate respect.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On the Real Wealth of a Nation
“Wealth is not money. Wealth lies in men. This is where true power lies, the power we value. This is what has convinced us to direct all our resources to build the individual, and to use the wealth which God has provided us in the service of the nation.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On Female Empowerment through Education
“The woman is half of the society; any country which pursues development should not leave her in poverty or illiteracy.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On how Rulers should reinvest the Bounty from Natural Resources back into People…
“If Allah the Almighty has favored us with wealth, our first commitment is to seek Allah’s satisfaction and to express our gratitude to Him by utilizing this wealth to make this country better and to bring goodness to its people.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On how a Country’s People are more Important than its Buildings
“No matter how many buildings, foundations, schools and hospitals we build, or how many bridges we raise, all these are material entities. The real spirit behind progress is the human spirit, the able man with his intellect and capabilities.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On the Most Pertinent of Priorities
“Arab oil can never be dearer than Arab blood.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On Inclusion and Tolerance
“To treat every person, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul, is a mark of Islam.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
On History
“History is a continuous chain of events. The present is only an extension of the past.” -Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
