Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has announced that 2018 in the UAE will be entitled "The Year of Zayed" and to be a national occasion to celebrate the late founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This year marks the 100th anniversary of his birth to high spot his role in founding and construction of the UAE in addition to his achievement, both locally and internationally.
Work during this year will focus on achieving several objectives: the first of which to highlight the role of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in establishing the United Arab Emirates and to establish and unite the foundations of its modern renaissance and achievements at the local, regional and international levels, "The principles and values that he has embodied are still the solid foundation upon which the United Arab Emirates has advanced as well as the love and loyalty towards him. The second, is the honour of Sheikh Zayed's personality, principles and values as an example of one of the world's greatest leaders, and the most inspiring in his patience, wisdom and vision. The third, is boosting the late Sheikh Zayed as a symbol of patriotism and love of the homeland. The fourth, is to perpetuate the legacy of Sheikh Zayed through future projects and initiatives according to its vision and values.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, said that choosing 2018 as the "Year of Zayed" reflects the unique and unique position of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, He is the symbol of wisdom, goodness and generosity not only in the UAE and the Gulf, but also on the Arab and international levels, and its attitudes and initiatives continue to witness its exceptionality as a modern leader who is appreciated by all peoples and countries of the region and the world.
The President of the UAE stated that Sheikh Zayed has been able to lay the foundations and solid fundamentals of the strong Union State, which has become a successful development model by all standards and a source of inspiration for countries seeking to progress because he it able to balance wisely and skilfully between the requirements of modernity and the privacy of Culture and community of the UAE.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed said: "The year of Zayed represents a great national occasion that we are proud of and we are grateful to the founder of the State, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the deep legacy of values, principles and traditions that characterized the UAE personality and reflected its soft power in the region and the world especially that the Union which he has founded with his brother rulers of the UAE is based on unity and solidarity. He has founded a real development experience that benefits everyone and they live in under comprehensive security and stability. He also has established the foundations of this unique unity that became an inspiring model for many countries in the region and the world.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed called upon all the people of the nation to maintain the honourable values of Sheikh Zayed, which he introduced to us, foremost of which is wisdom, respect, determination, will, loyalty and belonging to this nation and the readiness to sacrifice for it with great sacrifice to strengthen the unity of our home and strengthen our country in the face of challenges and risks.
Khalifa also called for making 2018 a year of achievements and the creation of initiatives, events and programs that reflects the importance of this great historical personality that imitates its content and highlight the pioneering role of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in putting UAE in the global map under his leadership, knowledge, wisdom, vision and good management. This occasion is valued, precious and has a great impact in the hearts, as that period by its factors and achievements constitutes an important revolution that summarize UAE history and people’s dreams in the development, prosperity, success and unprecedented cultural construction in a short time.
Khalifa said "As we celebrate the year of Zayed, we confirm that we will continue to follow Sheikh Zayed’s path and we will work together in line with his wisdom and vision. The unique Zayed School of Leadership and good control is the inspiration for every step the UAE has taken. It is the foundation of the federal structure of our strong state and a starting point for the future in order to strengthen the prestige of our beloved UAE as one of the best countries in the world in all fields in the coming years. We will continue together the blessed enablement process that aim at creating the necessary environment to enable UAE people of the most important contribution and participation in the various social, political, productive and intellectual aspects. As Sheikh Zayed said the real fortune is not in the material means but it is the men who make the future of their nation. So, we are determined to pursue this wise approach and enabling UAE people in all fields to play an integral role in the overall and sustainable development process. "
The President confirmed that the biography of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan will remain alive in the hearts of the UAE people, the Arab and Islamic peoples, and the whole world. His white hands helped the oppressed, support the weak and needy worldwide. He did so without discrimination regardless of religion, race or colour. Charity projects and development that fall under the Sheikh Zayed are continued in many societies and countries The Declaration of 2017 years of charity is an extension of the approach of Zayed, which taught us to provide charity to all without waiting something in return and without borders as well .
The President said “The year of Zayed will be a year in which the country will feel the achievements of Zayed and his great heritage, so that his people will enjoy a time-honoured in their nation under Zayed’s valued vision”