Sheikh Zayed championed this concept because he was firm in the belief that the security of a nation could only be achieved through unity. While some ridiculed this concept, others were apprehensive about the survival of any federation beyond its first year. To the utter astonishment of the sceptics, the UAE federation went on to become a prime example of brotherhood, surviving the ravages of time and even flourishing.
Sheikh Zayed's philosophy of brotherhood extended acorss the Arab world. In his famous statement emphasising that the Gulf's oil wealth was not an end in itself but a part of the UAE's heritage and therefore a part of the Arab world's resources, he said: "Arab oil can never be dearer than Arab blood".
His ardent belief in Arab unity saw him play the mediator's role on a number of occasions. In 1994, when civil war broke out in Yemen, Sheikh Zayed repeatedly called for and negotiated a dialogue between the warring factions. Sheikh Zayed and others performing Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on January 31, 1981.
He was the first Arab leader to call for Egypt's return to Arab ranks after relations were severed following Egypt's signing of the Camp David Accord with Israel. This call came at the emergency Arab Summit Conference in Amman in 1987. In 1992, Sheikh Zayed was once again one of the first Arab leaders to call for reconciliation with Arab countries that sided with Iraq during its invasion of Kuwait and brought about a complete Arab reconciliation with Iraq in 1995.
Before the US-led invasion of Iraq, Sheikh Zayed made a brave decision when he chose to be the only Arab leader to propose that Saddam Hussain and his family be offered safe passage and sanctuary in another country. He explained that his proposal was an effort to avert war.
Sheikh Zayed always believed in the principles of solidarity and brotherhood in which he saw the real hope for the Arab world: Arabs can only live together as one family regardless of their differences, disputes or disagreements, which he felt were temporary. The active role of the UAE was not limited to the Arab and Muslim worlds. The country's presence on the international stage was enhanced, especially in the early 1990s.
Nothing is more telling than the participation of UAE troops in the UN's Restore Hope operation in Somalia in 1992, not to mention the UAE Armed Forces' commendable work in the Balkans. This reflected Sheikh Zayed's belief in international solidarity and the need for the country to be represented in the international arena through assistance, cooperation and goodwill.
Sheikh Zayed's years in the desert of the UAE made him acutely aware of the environment. He realised the need to work with nature as he struggled to improve the resources available to the country. Today's green UAE is a lasting testimony to both his willingness to put so much of the country's resources into driving the desert back, and his insistence that this should be done with understanding of the local environment so that the changes would last.
On the domestic level, Sheikh Zayed was a champion of women's rights. He supported women's participation in nation-building, in accordance with Islam. He once said: "Islam gives women their rightful status and encourages them to work in all sectors as long as they are accorded the appropriate respect."
As a result, he ensured that the UAE constitution granted women equal legal status, claim to titles, access to education and career opportunities.
His emphasis on education was unmatched. Sheikh Zayed saw education as "a lantern that lights one's way in a dark alley". He believed "youngsters are the real wealth of the nation" and for them to become a part of the development process, they had to be educated and trained.
It is not surprising then that education was one of the top priorities on his agenda. In 1972, a federal law made education free and compulsory up to the primary level. Free education was offered to everyone, including the children of Arab expatriates.
Sheikh Zayed :: From 1918 to 2004
History will be only too glad to count Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan among the great nation-builders of all time. In common with such leaders, Sheikh Zayed dared to dream the impossible.
Sheikh Zayed was born on the island of Bani Yas in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
What it took to get from dream to reality involved the time-tested qualities of self-confidence, patience, perseverance, flexibility and sense of mission. The man who displayed these qualities will remain a role model for his people and the whole of Arabia.
And his legacy will continue for generations to come. The following is a chronology of Sheikh Zayed’s life. The list here may not be comprehensive but it is an attempt to highlight some of the main events in his, and the UAE’s, lifetime.
1918
Born in Bani Yas (Abu Dhabi), fourth son of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Sheikh Zayed is assigned to the care of his tutor, guide and counsellor, Syed Abdullah Bin Ganem, who is instructed by his father to keep an eye on the young boy. But, on occasion, the youngster escapes to the isolated Jebal Hafit mountains, or the desert, to spend some time there.
1946
Sheikh Zayed is appointed Ruler’s Representative with his office situated in Al Muwaiji in Al Ain.
1953
Travels abroad for the first time, visiting Western countries including France, Great Britain and the United States. Sheikh Zayed is impressed by the progress he sees in these countries and wants to pursue a similar approach to development in his own country.
1955
With the approval of the British Government and the help of the Trucial Oman Levies, forces of the Sultan of Muscat and Oman and those of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, move into the Buraimi area. The dispute involved the demarcation line between Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
1956-1963
Second phase of border dispute erupts over Buraimi. Sheikh Zayed is anxious to reach an understanding with the Saudis to resolve the issue.
1961
Orders the building of the first mud road that runs from the palace to Al Maqta Bridge in Abu Dhabi.
1966
Sheikh Zayed becomes the new Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The year also witnesses the establishment of a number of new administrative departments headed by members of the Al Nahyan ruling family and some prominent citizens.
1967
The Department of Planning and Coordination is formed. The Department is later renamed the Planning Council with Sheikh Zayed as President. His eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa, is appointed as first Deputy Chairman of the Department.
Pays a friendly visit to Saudi Arabia: The visit facilitates the first direct negotiations between Sheikh Zayed and King Faisal as the two leaders decide to work for a peaceful solution to the longstanding border dispute.
Sheikh Zayed visits a British Petroleum facility in the United Kingdom in 1968.
1968
 |
Sheikh Zayed visits a British Petroleum facility in the United Kingdom in 1968.
|
British Prime Minister Harold Wilson announces complete withdrawal of all British forces from the Gulf by the end of 1971.
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, late Ruler of Dubai, meets Sheikh Zayed on the border between the two emirates at Assemaih. The neighbouring Rulers of Ajman, Bahrain, Fujairah, Sharjah, Qatar, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain are also invited to participate and become part of a larger federation.
The Rulers of the Trucial States, Qatar and Bahrain meet for discussions in Dubai. An agreement between the nine Rulers for the creation of a federation is signed. The Supreme Council is created with the nine Rulers as members.
1969
Mina Zayed is established with basic port facilities. The establishment of Mina Zayed enables the berthing of huge ocean-going commercial vessels in Abu Dhabi.
1970
 |
Falconry was Sheikh Zayed’s favourite hobby, but he had a keen eye for protecting nature as well. |
Following Sheikh Zayed’s interest in preserving wildlife, a first of its kind animal sanctuary comes up near Al Ain, and is followed by a second one on the island of Sir Bani Yas.
Iran lays claim to the islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Mousa. The following year, Iran occupies the three islands. Since then, the UAE has been repeatedly calling for a peaceful resolution or the use of international arbitration to resolve the issue.
1971
Sheikh Zayed, representing the UAE, and Sir Geoffrey Arthur, the last British political agent in the Gulf, sign a treaty of friendship between Britain and the UAE.
The new federation including the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah takes shape under the able leadership of Sheikh Zayed. The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah joins a year later. Each emirate is represented in the National Assembly and the Ruler of each emirate is entitled to vote in the Supreme Council of Rulers. They also agree that the Federation’s Constitution would temporarily be provisional for five years, after which it would be replaced by a permanent one.
Sheikh Zayed is elected President and Sheikh Rashid Vice-President.
The UAE is established as a federation based on achieving four main objectives: building an educated society; solving regional issues by peaceful means; strengthening ties between Arab countries — politically, economically and culturally — and finally, actively participating in international forums and organisations. The Abu Dhabi National Consultative Council and the Cabinet are formed. Sheikh Zayed inaugurates the
50-member assembly’s first meeting.
Sheikh Zayed visits an oil refinery project in Abu Dhabi in 1973 .
1973
 |
Sheikh Zayed visits an oil refinery project in Abu Dhabi in 1973 .
|
The UAE joins the Arab League and the Islamic Conference Pact in their stance in the October war against Israel. The Arab oil exporting countries force an oil embargo on the West that is used, for the first time in its history, as a means of protest against countries supporting Israel. The Executive Council replaces the Abu Dhabi Cabinet.
1976
Sheikh Zayed announces his willingness to relinquish his post. Rallies supporting the continuity of his presidency follow and he reverses his decision.
1977
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat signs a unilateral peace agreement with Israel. The majority of Arab countries impose a boycott on Egypt and sever relations with the country.
1978 - 1979
The Iranian Revolution and the signing of the Camp David Accords influence the UAE dramatically as factors leading to the strengthening of the federation.
Sheikh Zayed inaugurates an exhibition organised by the General Women’s Association on March 22, 1980.
1979
 |
Sheikh Zayed inaugurates an exhibition organised by the General Women’s Association on March 22, 1980.
|
Soviets invade Afghanistan. Sheikh Zayed strongly condemns the invasion.
1980
War breaks out between Iran and Iraq. It serves as an eye-opener for the Gulf States and highlights the importance of close political co-ordination.
1982
In a media interview, Sheikh Zayed denies the UAE was under pressure or threat from Iran and that it was supporting one side against the other in the Iran-Iraq war. Also, Sheikh Zayed stresses the importance of Egypt being a crucial part of the Arab world.
1983
Sheikh Zayed condemns the car bombs targeting the American and French embassies in Kuwaiti installations and residential buildings that house American employees.
1986
 |
In a media interview in 1982, Sheikh Zayed denies the UAE was under pressure .
|
Sheikh Zayed calls upon the fighting factions in Yemen to resolve their differences and offers his help to stop the civil war.
1987
Declares the Palestinian intifada (uprising) will succeed because of its just demands.
1989
Declares that a normalisation of relations with the then Soviet Union would benefit the UAE.
Being the first leader to call for Egypt’s return to the Arab brotherhood, Sheikh Zayed applauds the Arab League’s decision to reinstate them.
1990
The UAE condemns the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Sheikh Zayed refuses to compromise with Saddam, declaring it was not “our duty to save his face”.
Sheikh Zayed issues a decree directing Cabinet ministers to stick to their portfolios, following the passing away of Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Zayed met with the late Palestinian president Yasser Arafat many times.
1991
 |
Sheikh Zayed met with the late Palestinian president Yasser Arafat many times.
|
Rejects the setting up of permanent foreign bases in the UAE, stating that help from friends was acceptable but their bases in the UAE were neither acceptable nor welcome.
Sheikh Zayed states it was highly unfair for thousands of Iraqis to suffer for no fault of theirs.
He is the first Arab leader to recommend sending humanitarian aid to Iraq.
With the exorbitant increase in marriage expenses, Sheikh Zayed orders the establishment of the Marriage Fund to assist young UAE nationals wishing to marry.
1993
Describes the Palestinian-Israeli peace accord as being “historic and positive” and a step towards building a just, comprehensive and permanent solution.
Clearly specifies the UAE was ready to hold direct talks with Iran in resolving the dispute over the islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Mousa.
1994
Sheikh Zayed accuses the Western powers of “supporting the oppressor against the oppressed” due to the arms embargo imposed on the Muslims.
Sheikh Zayed says the settling of disputes by military means during the war in Yemen is unacceptable.
1995
Calls on unemployed UAE nationals to seek work and strongly criticises youngsters who sit idle yet demand many benefits.
1996
 |
Sheikh Zayed with Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, during a visit to the United Kingdom.
|
The Supreme Council agrees to change the UAE's temporary constitution to a permanent one and names Abu Dhabi as the federal capital of the UAE.
After undergoing neck surgery in the United States, Sheikh Zayed is welcomed back by the community with festivities and events marking his safe return.
1997
Boycotts the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) economic summit being held in Qatar due to the deadlock in the peace process and the rejection of the event by Arab leaders. Expresses his support and encouragement for national women to join the Federal National Council (FNC).
1999
Sheikh Zayed and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed of Oman sign an agreement defining their mutual borders.
The rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran triggers criticism from the UAE. Sheikh Zayed states the UAE was treated in a cold and alienating manner. The issue is resolved following Qatar’s mediation.
Under Sheikh Zayed’s instructions, UAE Forces join KFOR, the Nato-led international force, established under a UN mandate to ensure security in Kosovo. The UAE is the only Arab country to participate in the peacekeeping mission.
2000
Sheikh Zayed calls on Iran to end its occupation of the three islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Mousa through peaceful measures.
2001
Sheikh Zayed calls for Arab solidarity and Muslim cooperation. “Should Arabs unite, Islamic nations would surely stand by them, which would lead to a big triumph for both the Arabs and the Islamic nations.”
Also calls for the lifting of sanctions so as to ease the suffering of Iraqis.
The statement comes as Sheikh Zayed meets the heads of delegates attending the 38th conference of the Arab Parliamentary Union.
2002
Following the announcement of the Abu Dhabi Declaration by the Arab Women’s Media Forum, Sheikh Zayed states it was the right step towards correcting the image of Arab women in the media.
 |
A UAE national kisses a portrait of Sheikh Zayed, mourning the passing away of the nation’s founding father, during Sheikh Zayed’s funeral on November 3, 2004.
|
“I am a supporter of women. I say this in order to emphasise the right of women to work and to participate in the building of their country. I consider this as part of my role as a father and a leader who should pay great attention to the ambitions and wishes of his people.”
2003
Sheikh Zayed rejects any links between terrorism and any religion or race.
“Terrorism is an international phenomenon that has no religion or race. We categorically reject the deliberate attempts to link terrorism with the right of people to resist occupation.”
2004
A chapter in the history of the UAE closes: Sheikh Zayed passes away. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is elected President.
|
