Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XIX

3 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The early days of Sheikh Zayed, in the words of the men who knew him The late Sir Wilfred Thesiger recalled his first meeting with Sheikh Zayed in 1948, in a famous passage from his literary masterpiece, “Arabian Sands”: He was a powerfully built man of about thirty, with a brown beard. He had a strong, intelligent face, with steady observant eyes and his manner was quiet but masterful. He wore a dagger and cartridge belt; his rifle lay on the sand beside him. I was eager to see him with the Bedouins. They loved him because he was so simple and friendly. When they spoke of him, they said: Sheikh Zayed is one of us. He knows much about camels, horses, and is an outstanding sniper and fighter. The British Captain Anthony Shepherd, in his book “Adventure in the Arabic Peninsula”, described the esteem in which his people held Baba Zayed: Sheikh Zayed was loved and respected by all who knew him, especially the Bedouins living in Al Buraimi Oasis. No doubt he was the most powerful personality in the region. I used to visit himweekly at his fort. He had a particular and admirable way of informing me about current political issues. I entered with respect and left with even more respect for him. Sheikh Zayed was definitely one of the few great men I ever met. If we ever happen to disagree it was only ever due to my ignorance. Colonel Hugh Boustead, the British political representative to the region, was one of Sheikh Zayed’s biggest admirers. Not long after visiting the city of Al Ain, Boustead wrote: I was amazed by the crowds that constantly surrounded him, showing interest and respect for him. He was an extremely kind and generous man. I was also amazed by the number of developments he initiated in the city of Al Ain, including the construction of canals for a better irrigation system, the digging of wells and the construction of cement buildings within traditional Emirati communities. Everyone who visits Al Buraimi notices that the people living here are truly happy. London, United Kingdom - April 06: HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al- Nahyan President and Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates in London during his State Visit. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)