A global leader and change-maker, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was a world-renowned humanitarian and conservationist who advocated respect, sustainability, education and female empowerment. Born in 1918 in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed travelled extensively throughout the country as a young man, gaining a deep understanding of the land and its people.
Among his many local and international achievements, Sheikh Zayed was the main driving force behind the unification of the seven independent emirates to found the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Affectionately known as the ‘Father of the Nation’, he was unanimously elected by his fellow Rulers of the Emirates to become the first President of the UAE, a position he held for more than three decades.
We have compiled few of his famous quotes that will show the reason behind his unmatched popularity as a people’s leader.
1. On inclusion and tolerance…
“To treat every person, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul, is a mark of Islam.”
2. On the media…
“The press has the duty as well as the right to criticise. We welcome constructive criticism.”
3. On the most pertinent of priorities…
“Arab oil can never be dearer than Arab blood.”
4. On how a country’s people are more important than its buildings…
“No matter how many buildings, foundations, schools and hospitals we build, or how many bridges we raise, all these are material entities. The real spirit behind progress is the human spirit, the able man with his intellect and capabilities.
5. On how rulers should reinvest the bounty from natural resources back into people…
“If Allah the Almighty has favoured us with wealth, our first commitment is to seek Allah’s satisfaction and to express our gratitude to Him by utilizing this wealth to make this country better and to bring goodness to its people.”
6. On female empowerment through education…
“The woman is half of the society; any country which pursues development should not leave her in poverty or illiteracy.”
7. On a ruler’s responsibility (words that many of today’s politicians, worldwide, should listen to)…
“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.”
8. On how he wanted the UAE to follow the suit of the countries pursuing women’s rights last century…
“I hope that the women in my country will follow their sisters in those countries which have previously made the adjustment to the procession of progress and development.”
9. On true wealth…
“Every individual has to perform his duty. Man is mortal, but his work is not. Therefore, work is greater than wealth.”
