SimplyAbuDhabi XLV

This spirit of inclusivity was reflected in the UAE’s diverse population, which includes a significant expatriate community that has long been integral to the country’s development. By promoting equality, respect, and cross- cultural understanding, Sheikh Zayed established the foundations for the UAE’s reputation as a global hub of tolerance and coexistence. The Sheikh’s humanitarian vision extended well beyond the borders of the UAE, as he sought to share the nation’s newfound prosperity with the less fortunate around the world. Through the establishment of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, he channelled substantial resources towards relief and development initiatives in more than 40 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Whether it was providing aid to war-torn regions, supporting educational and healthcare projects, or responding to natural disasters, Sheikh Zayed’s philanthropic efforts were guided by a deep sense of empathy and a genuine desire to improve the lives of people in need. This legacy of humanitarian generosity continues to this day, with the UAE playing a leading role in global disaster relief and development assistance. Lasting Impact and Enduring Legacy The profound impact of Sheikh Zayed’s visionary leadership and transformative policies can be seen in every facet of life in the modern-day United Arab Emirates. From the bustling metropolises to the vast, pristine deserts, his indelible mark is woven into the very fabric of the nation he helped create. Under his stewardship, the UAE emerged from a collection of sparsely populated emirates into a thriving, globally influential federation, boasting world-class infrastructure, a diversified knowledge-based economy, and a steadfast commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Today, the UAE stands as a beacon of progress, stability, and tolerance in a region often beset by turmoil. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, passed away on 2 November 2004, leaving behind a legacy that inspired tributes from leaders worldwide. Notable figures praised his visionary leadership, dedication to unity, and his transformative contributions to the UAE. Kofi Annan, the then-UN Secretary-General, described Sheikh Zayed as a leader of “wisdom and generosity,” emphasising his role in fostering development and global cooperation. Annan highlighted Sheikh Zayed’s contributions to humanitarian efforts and his advocacy for peace in the region. Former U.S. President George W. Bush called Sheikh Zayed a “man of compassion and vision,” acknowledging his instrumental role in modernizing the UAE while maintaining its cultural heritage. The World Bank referred to him as a “visionary leader” who invested the UAE’s wealth into human development, infrastructure, and social equality, ensuring that the country became a model for others. These tributes underscore Sheikh Zayed’s enduring influence, both as a unifier of the UAE and as a global statesman committed to the principles of progress, tolerance, and peace. His leadership remains a guiding example for the nation and the broader international community. Beyond the tangible achievements of his tenure, Sheikh Zayed’s enduring legacy is perhaps most profoundly felt in the hearts and minds of the Emirati people, who revere him as the “Father of the Nation” - or “Baba Zayed” (“Baba” is an Arabic term that translates to “Father”.) His leadership style was marked by accessibility, humility, and a deep connection to the citizens. “We knew him as ‘Baba Zayed’ and he was almost as much a father figure to us as our biological fathers,” wrote Talib Al Hinai, Emirati scientist and inventor, in an article for Arabian Business. “You looked up to him as your childhood hero.” His embodiment of traditional Bedouin values, such as humility, generosity, and consensus-building, have become the foundation of the Emirati national identity. Simply Abu Dhabi | 81