On 19th Ramadan, the UAE is celebrating Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, coinciding with the anniversary of the death of the Founding Leader, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
On 19th Ramadan, the UAE is celebrating Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, coinciding with the anniversary of the death of the Founding Leader, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Since the passing of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE has celebrated Zayed Humanitarian Work Day to commemorate his legacy and continue his journey of giving.
The event is also an annual occasion to announce the launch of several vital humanitarian and charity initiatives through hundreds of official community events.
Sheikh Zayed was a symbol of giving and provided aid to needy people around the world. Due to his significant efforts, the UAE has gained a significant regional and international humanitarian stature.
The UAE has been a model of humanitarian giving since its establishment in 1971, and has adopted the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed.
The Abu Dhabi Development Fund was established in 1971, while the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation was founded in 1992.
Sheikh Zayed was keen to institutionalise the foreign aid sector to enhance its efficiency and promote responsibility, and over 40 donors, and humanitarian and charity foundations have been established in the UAE to provide services worldwide.
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These facts confirm the valuable stances and directives of the late Sheikh Zayed, and the value of development and humanitarian aid provided by the UAE from 1971 to 2004 to nearly 117 countries, which amounted to some AED90.5 billion.
The late Sheikh Zayed received awards and recognitions from many countries, in appreciation of his services to humanity.
‘Roadmap for leadership’
Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, stated that the Zayed Humanitarian Day has become a national occasion whose value was derived from the rich legacy of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
”Sheikh Zayed has dedicated his life to spread and promote values of intimacy, coexistence, tolerance, justice, giving and charity, and peace for mutual benefits of all humanity in order to realise international stability,” said Sheikh Hamad Al Sharqi in a statement on the occasion of Zayed Humanitarian Day.
”Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of giving, charity and tolerance will be an enduring roadmap for all of us. The UAE – under the prudent leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan – follows his approach of extending a helping hand to all those in need without distinction,” he added.
He concluded that the UAE has established world-class humanitarian organisations and launched charitable and humanitarian initiatives to relieve sisterly and friendly countries in times of crises.
‘Zayed championed humanitarian values’
Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Frontline Heroes Office, has said the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is a genuine symbol of goodness, philanthropy and mercy, and that his humanitarian and charitable works assisted people in need across the world.
In a statement, Sheikh Sultan said the people of the UAE recall with loyalty and pride the humanitarian values established by the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. “He championed the ideals of giving, compassion and extending assistance as core values for the UAE since the nation’s inception, and was keen on instilling these values among his people.”
Sheikh Sultan said Sheikh Zayed’s principles and vision continue to form the foundation of the UAE today as it responds to humanitarian crises.
He noted the nation’s commitment to Sheikh Zayed ideals was demonstrated by the UAE’s humanitarian initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE’s efforts demonstrated solidarity with other countries as the nation provided aid to support people globally in dealing with the pandemic, and tackling its humanitarian, economic and health repercussions.
He added: “The Frontline Heroes of the UAE truly embody the spirit of Sheikh Zayed, demonstrating exceptional bravery, loyalty and commitment to service in protecting our country and its people.”
Sheikh Sultan also appreciated the initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
He praised Sheikh Mohamed’s continuing support and appreciation of the frontline heroes, whose efforts are testimony to both Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and the nation’s culture of solidarity, generosity and compassion.