Simply Abu Dhabi XXIX

7 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Muslims and non-Muslims alike. This is because Islam is a religion of mercy and tolerance.” The Sheikh led by example: he welcomed and brought together people of many nationalities and faiths, who all contributed to create the UAE as it exists today. Under his rule, the UAE was one of the most open and diverse nations in the region, and thus it remains today. Sheikh Zayed’s ideals of tolerance were instrumental in building the consensus and cooperation that defines the Federation, and allowed it to prosper. “The ruler, any ruler, is only there to serve his people and secure for them prosperity and progress. To achieve this, he should live among his people to feel their wishes and know their problems, and this cannot be achieved if he isolates himself from them.” – Sheikh Zayed Sustainability Sheikh Zayed believed strongly that the resources of the country should be used to benefit everyone. From his time in the desert, he knew that the conservation of the natural environment and wildlife was an essential part of the character of his people, who had to struggle to survive in the harsh and arid land. While he enjoyed hunting in the desert as a young man, he gave up hunting with rifles at the age of 25, as a contribution to conserving wildlife. The Sheikh worked throughout his life to preserve such species as the Arabian Oryx and the sand gazelle, and was an avid falconer. In 1997, the World Wildlife Fund recognized the Sheikh’s contribution to conservation efforts, awarding him the prestigious Gold Panda award in 1997, and a year after his death in 2004, he Background Photography: Khalifa Al Katheeri