SimplyAbuDhabi XIV

3 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The Centre is responsible for developing a host of social, religious and cultural initiatives aiming to promote mutual respect and understanding between different religions. For instance, the Centre sponsor lectures, seminars and forums for the memorisation and recitation of the Holy Quran, as well as seminars on Islamic architecture, Arabic calligraphy and Arabic syntax. And, of course, the Centre serves to introduce the Grand Mosque as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and to encourage international visitors and residents to visit the mosque for educational and tourism purposes. The Founding Father On our visit through the Centre, we had the opportunity to learn more about the Founding Father, not only of the GrandMosque, but of the UAE itself. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the first President of the UAE and the ruler of Abu Dhabi, born in 1918 in the city of Al Ain. He was named after his grandfather Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, who ruled Abu Dhabi from 1855 to 1909. In his youth, Zayed had a keen interest in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, and his fascination with Arabic poetry instilled in him a lifelong quest for wisdom, for which he was so highly regarded. In the Arabian Desert of his childhood, Zayed learned courage and chivalry, as the experience he had growing up in a harsh environment had a tremendous impact on shaping his exceptional personality. While he was known for his patience, insightfulness and optimism, the central trait of his character was wisdom. As a leading figure who understood the rules integral to the game of tribal balances, Sheikh Zayed worked diligently to settle emerging tribal disputes and differences. Through his insightful vision and wisdom, Zayed realised that conflicting tribes would be held back by the struggle for existence, unless the surrounding circumstances are altered. This insight was manifested during the talks and negotiations to settle the disputes over the border area of Al Buraimi adjacent to Oman. As a result of his thoughtfulness and perception, Zayed won the admiration and respect of all parties. When Zayed became the governor of Al Ain in 1946, his leadership was instrumental in developing the area. He was able to find sophisticated solutions for the scarcity of the water sources confronting the harsh desert environment with relentlessness, despite the lack of financial support. In his endeavours to develop Al Ain, Zayed built the Al Nahyan School in 1959. He also constructed the first commercial market, and the first hospital in Al Ain. He was concerned with road construction and hence established the first network of paved roads and streets. His insight, wisdom and devotion to improving life for his countrymen having been firmly established, on the 6th of August 1966, Sheikh Zayed became the ruler of Abu Dhabi, and on the 2nd of December 1971, he was elected as President of the UAE. After achieving the foundation of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed was able to instigate and realise great contributions to his country, which dramatically altered the life and destiny of his citizens on an economical, intellectual and social level. In a truly remarkable achievement, Sheikh Zayed was able to build a modern and sophisticated country whilst preserving the particular cultural identity of his nation. The founder of a nation, Sheikh Zayed passed away on the 2nd of November 2004, and was succeeded by his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as the President of the UAE and the ruler of Abu Dhabi. The mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed is located on the north side of the mosque that bears his name and is an embodiment of his life’s work and vision.