In a recent statement, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the “Fakhr Al Watan” Office, expressed the significance of the announcement made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declaring January 7 each year as “Zayed the Founder Day.” This commemoration not only renews pride in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan but also highlights the values that laid the foundation of the Union, placing humanity at the centre of development and progress.
Honouring a National Legacy
Sheikh Sultan emphasised that Sheikh Zayed, “may God rest his soul,” bequeathed a national legacy that instils pride and has established a comprehensive approach to leadership, action, and responsibility. His vision transformed the Union into a powerful entity, embedding the value of giving and making investments in humanity the cornerstone of progress.
Connecting Generations to Foundational Values
The establishment of Zayed the Founder Day serves to deepen the bond between generations and the roots of this enduring national experience. Sheikh Sultan affirmed that preserving the legacy of the Founding Father goes beyond merely recalling his achievements; it involves continuing to uphold the values he championed and embodying them in our behaviour, stances, and contributions to the nation and community.
A Shared Responsibility
He further remarked that maintaining the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed requires a collective responsibility to transmit his values to future generations. This entails fostering a spirit of belonging and loyalty within the community and instilling a culture of initiative and dedication in fulfilling our duties.
Continuing the Vision of the Founding Leader
Sheikh Sultan also highlighted the importance of the unwavering efforts of the nation’s first defenders, whose dedicated work in protecting the community and ensuring the safety of its members reflects the ongoing commitment to the principles established by the Founding Father. He affirmed that “Zayed the Founder Day” is not merely a remembrance of a historical milestone but a rekindling of the pledge to ensure the values of union remain prominent in our actions and achievements. He concluded by reaffirming that Sheikh Zayed’s legacy continues to shine as a guiding beacon for the UAE’s journey towards a brighter and more united future.