Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates is preparing to celebrate Union Day, commemorating the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,
who was distinguished by his humanitarian efforts and focus on human development.
Leadership
The late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, is considered one of
the most prominent leaders who redefined the concept of development in the Arab world.
This is through his comprehensive vision that placed man at the heart of the state project.
The UAE experience was not only characterized by the construction of towers and roads,
but also by the establishment of a development model based
on social justice, education, health, housing and women’s empowerment.
This is based on a firm belief that “human beings are the nation’s most precious asset.”
From the very first moment of the founding of the UAE in 1971, Sheikh Zayed
realized that education was the true key to progress.
He considered it a right, a duty, and a pillar of the renaissance.
In a short period of years, the UAE transformed from a country
with limited educational resources
into a network of modern schools and universities that encompassed all the Emirates.
This includes encouraging overseas scholarships
and establishing research institutions.
These early policies laid the foundation for a new generation of learners
who formed the basis of development in subsequent decades.
In the health sector
His Highness Sheikh Zayed, may God rest his soul, adopted a humanitarian policy
based on ensuring free medical care for every citizen and resident.
Building hospitals and medical centers in remote areas before major cities.
Supporting preventive programs, vaccinations, and combating chronic diseases.
Within a few years, the UAE will become a regional model in comprehensive healthcare services.
Housing and social justice
His Highness Sheikh Zayed, may God rest his soul, clearly embodied his vision
through public housing projects and the distribution of land to citizens.
He stressed that family and social stability is the foundation for any sustainable development.
Therefore, he believed that a state is not complete until the citizen
feels dignity and security in his home and country.
Empowering women
He was among the first Arab leaders to believe in the necessity of women’s participation
in building society, opening doors of education, employment, and public office to them.
This policy constituted a qualitative leap that has made the UAE one of the leading Arab countries
in equality and women’s empowerment in the fields of economics, science, and politics.
The humanitarian aspect
The humanitarian aspect of the thought of His Highness Sheikh Zayed, may God rest his soul,
is evident in his unique way of creating the new Emirati citizen model.
For a citizen who is educated, committed, tolerant, and participates
in the advancement of his nation with a spirit of responsibility.
Zayed instilled in the sons of the Emirates the values of cooperation,
compassion and altruism, until these values became part of
the Emirati national character that the world is proud of today.
Sheikh Zayed left a legacy that transcends the boundaries of place and time,
a legacy that made the UAE a nation that prioritizes people and is always a nation of the future.
Development is not measured by skyscrapers, but by the increase
in the value of the human being, his awareness and belonging.
