Zayed was a father, leader and inspiration

H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Qaiwain, has commended the announcement of the year 2018 as the 'Year of Zayed' by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The country will be celebrating the birth centenary of its founder and builder the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan next year.

In a statement, H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud expressed his appreciation for President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for terming 2018 as the Year of Zayed, in honour of the journey of a leader whose life was marked by generosity and accomplishments.

By establishing the foundation of a young country, Sheikh Zayed has become a model of leadership and excellence in all fields, he added.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan was a father, leader and inspiration. Through his enlightened vision and wisdom, he created an exceptional place for the UAE among the advanced countries of the world, ensuring it is a secure, stable and flourishing nation. He planted the noble values and the love of giving among the people and made sure that the new generation developed a sense of belonging to the nation and remained connected to its heritage and history, Sheikh Rashid continued.

The Umm Al Qaiwain Crown Prince said that observing the year 2018 as the Year of Zayed, is considered as a crowning glory for the late ruler, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.