The Founder’s Office has unveiled a set of seven core values that encapsulate the vision and legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates. This initiative aims to serve as a guiding reference for current and future generations.
A Framework for Understanding UAE’s Heritage
The office has a clear objective in promoting these values, which is to provide a reliable reference framework. This framework allows individuals and institutions to explore the life and legacy of the UAE’s founder accurately and authentically. It is designed to reflect the richness of the cultural heritage while deepening the understanding of the principles that shaped Sheikh Zayed’s leadership approach and the nation-building journey.
Rooted in Historical Insights
These seven fundamental values were identified through extensive research into Sheikh Zayed’s words and actions during his leadership as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and as the President of the UAE. They embody the principles that underpinned his vision and approach to leadership, which significantly contributed to establishing the foundations of the state. This legacy has paved the way for continued development and progress over the last fifty years.
Voices from Leadership
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Founder’s Office, stated, “The values established by the late Sheikh Zayed are a genuine cornerstone of his civilizational and cultural legacy. They remain impactful and relevant in our today’s realities, just as they were during his lifetime. We draw on the wisdom of his leadership and the clarity of his vision to uphold these eternal values and instil them within our community and its fabric, passing them on to future generations.”
The Seven Core Values
The seven values are as follows:
- Wisdom: A visionary outlook that combines inspiration from ancestral heritage with foresight into the future, forming the basis for decisions that foster state-building and progress.
- Respect: Establishing principles of human dignity, coexistence, and tolerance while promoting the culture of openness and understanding among diverse peoples and cultures.
- Human Development: Recognising that people are the true wealth of the nation; investing in their capabilities empowers them to meaningfully contribute to development, with particular emphasis on youth and women.
- Determination: Realising ambitions through perseverance, insistence, and diligent effort while facing challenges with confidence and will.
- Sustainability: Adopting a balanced approach that ensures the protection and conservation of natural resources in the best interests of current and future generations.
- Unity: Believing in the power of solidarity, consensus, and joint efforts, reinforcing the concept of union as the essential pillar of the nation’s prosperity and advancement.
- Generosity: Making charitable work and humanitarian efforts a steadfast approach that transcends borders, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to supporting communities and extending a helping hand globally.
Continuous Development and Relevance
Each of these values is linked to various relevant themes, which will be regularly updated and developed to enrich the understanding of these principles and enhance their translation into tangible practices.
Aligned with National Initiatives
The announcement of these seven core values coincides with the UAE’s “Year of the Family,” aligning with national efforts to preserve the Emirati heritage and enable future generations to draw inspiration from the principles that laid the foundation of the state and contributed to its national identity.
A Commitment to Heritage
Reem Youssef Al Shamri, Director General of the Founder’s Office, remarked, “The dissemination of Sheikh Zayed’s core values aligns with the mission of the Founder’s Office to preserve the legacy of the founding father, enrich knowledge about it, and keep his values present and rooted in society. In the face of rapid global changes, these values remain a steadfast reference and a source of inspiration, guiding individuals and institutions across the UAE and supporting the development journey.”
Preserving the Legacy
The Founder’s Office, part of the Presidential Court, is dedicated to safeguarding the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed and showcasing its impact on current and future generations. It provides support and guidance to government entities and educational and cultural institutions to ensure the accurate and authentic documentation of this legacy. The office also offers specialized advice on the use of historical references, images, quotes, and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to effectively preserve and present Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, keeping his values alive and inspiring for generations to come.