Legacy of Sheikh Zayed a beacon for new generations

posted on 21/05/2009: 120 views

Preserving forefathers' legacies is the responsibility of new generations as it helps them in building the future and protecting the identity and values, said a top government official at the centennial death anniversary of the Sheikh Zayed the Great.

The centenary, held on Tuesday evening at the historic Al Jahili Fort, was part of a public education campaign to rediscover great historical figures in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Paying rich tributes to Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, also known as Sheikh Zayed the Great and Sheikh Zayed I, the event highlighted the great ruler's dynamic leadership, which left a lasting impact in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The function was attended by Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region, Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Authority of Culture and Heritage, government officials, diplomats and dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Sultan said the year-long campaign aims at raising awareness about the great historical figures and their achievements. "It also aims at reviving the legacy of Sheikh Zayed the First and presenting it to the new generations," he said. The great leader, who ruled the Abu Dhabi for 54 years from 1855 to 1909, died on May 19, 1909.

He was a person who helped shape history and left lasting impacts at both the local and international level. "Until recently, information about Sheikh Zayed I was largely limited ... The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage wishes to honour the centenary of Sheikh Zayed I's death by making details of his life more widely available to the general public," Sheikh Sultan added.

The drive, he said, has been launched following directions from President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, under the auspices of General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to continue the heritage and modernisation process.

Past leaders and their achievements and deep-rooted heritage are the great sources of pride for the new generations. "Hence comes the need to revive our ancestors' heritage so that we have tomorrow built by generations with a national identity," he noted.

Sheikh Zayed the Great was a dynamic leader and remembering him is a tribute to his legacy, which is a beacon to guide future generations. He said: "When the past had a great charisma of the kind that makes history, the leadership that affects near and distant surroundings, then revisiting that past is important, especially with the biography of a leader who will remain in the living memory of time and citizens." The authority, he said, believes that there is a need for highlighting all the aspects of national identity, and making heritage an activity with an impact on the lives of the community. – Gulf News

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