Shaikh Zayed's legacy guides the UAE's leaders toward further progress and prosperity, according to a number of former members of the Federal National Council (FNC). They say Shaikh Zayed's visionary leadership came from the fact that he identified himself so closely with his people.
Khalid Zayed Saqr Al Nahyan, a former member of the FNC, says the father of the nation is greatly missed, not only in the UAE, but also in the Arab and Islamic and the rest of the world.
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Saeed Mohammad Al Gandi, former speaker of the FNC. |
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"Today, a year after he passed away, we are more aware of how he was a great visionary leader and how our loss was great. But with President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Shaikh Zayed's legacy lives on.
Shaikh Khalifa has the same heart, same thought and the same dreams as Shaikh Zayed, may Almighty Allah rest his soul in peace. In Shaikh Khalifa we see Shaikh Zayed, the caring and kind father who will continue the march of progress and prosperity," he adds.
Says Saeed Mohammad Al Gandi, former speaker of the council: "Shaikh Zayed never spared a moment without thinking of the welfare of his people. His majlis was an open forum for every citizen to express his desires. He dealt with UAE nationals with a paternal spirit,always prepared to give and always competing with the nationals in showing mutual loyalty.
"Shaikh Zayed never closed his doors to nationals, and always emphasised the fact that democracy meant normal daily gatherings between the ruler and the people.
"The dearest thing to Shaikh Zayed's heart was to listen to his fellow compatriots. This attitude was quite natural, for he had grown with the deep-rooted nobility of his people characterised by amity and compassion. There were absolutely no barriers between Shaikh Zayed and his people.
Their relationship was one of love, confidence and trust. This was the true meaning underlying Shaikh Zayed's daily visits to cities and villages nationwide. They rarely ceased, even in the worst climatic conditions. This had been his custom ever since his youth. He always aimed at mixing with the people in their everyday life, inspecting work sites and finding out for himself the wishes and needs of his people."
"Shaikh Zayed also believed that one of the country's pillars lay in the freedom of nationals. Under the umbrella of freedom, every national can live without fear and safeguard the great gains the country has realised for him, defending the federation and stabilising its foundation against any break for separation or narrow provincial ideologies.
Freedom, as Shaikh Zayed saw it, is essential for people's progress. His concept of democracy was not mere texts written in the constitution. It was a practical reality," Al Gandi says.
 Shaikh Zayed with Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi of Sharjah; Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman; Shaikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla of Umm Al Quwain and Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi of Fujairah during a Federal National Council session on January 26, 1986. |
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"Shaikh Zayed always called upon every official to welcome criticism and not to be disturbed by opinions appearing in the media. He used to say: ‘Frankness should prevail between us. Constructive debates purify any pioneering experiments and defective opinion.' These words are only uttered by those who realise the true meaning of good leadership and have absolute belief in their people's rights," the former FNC speaker adds.
Ahmad Bin Shabib Al Daheri, a former member of the FNC, says Almighty Allah granted the UAE a great, visionary leader whose legacy will continue to guide present and future generations.
"Shaikh Zayed did not change over the years, neither when he was the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Province nor as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, not even after he was elected President of the UAE. When he became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, he moved quickly to form the Planning Council in keeping with the traditions of his forefathers. It was the custom of Rulers of Abu Dhabi to gather around them Shaikhs and men of knowledge and experience, in the form of a majlis, and consult them on key issues.
"Emergency sessions would be held whenever any crucial issue cropped up. On these occasions, the Ruler used to call these men and put the issue before them for their views. Key decisions were taken in the light of these deliberations. Those who follow the FNC's debates will realise that the country is successfully proceeding under the banner of democracy. Council meetings rarely pass without a minister debating with its members, each side listening to the other, and eventually reaching a solution deemed most appropriate."
"Shaikh Zayed always took great interest in this council and its recommendations. He encouraged its members to express their opinions frankly and often declared his support for them. This was the father and teacher who brought up our leaders — President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who will continue his march and work hard to achieve the aspirations of the Father of the Nation," Al Daheri says.
Says Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief: "When Shaikh Zayed became the President of the UAE, the illiteracy rate was about 80 per cent. He contributed endlessly to change this figure. He built school after school, college after college. He urged people, especially women, to be educated and get into the field of work. Today, we can see government and private education improving, universities are getting bigger and academic cities are being set up.
"He was a man of peace. He loved all human beings without looking at their religion, nationality or colour. This is a philosophy Shaikh Zayed inherited from our fathers and grandfathers."
