posted on 03/11/2004
Sheikh Zayed (1918 - 2004) was one of the longest serving presidents in Arab history. With the sad passing away of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a great chapter in the remarkable history of the country comes to a close. Sheikh Zayed presided over the nation's destiny in an era that saw the UAE emerge from being an underdeveloped region to taking its place amongst the most modern countries in the world. He was a visionary leader who saw his dream of a united nation materialise during his lifetime. For the splendid years of his presidency, the country witnessed tremendous changes from the pre-oil days to the new riches that laid the foundation of a modern country based on the lines of some of the most advanced countries of the world.
Sheikh Zayed not only spearheaded the march of the country into the 21st century but also managed to put the UAE on the world map. His astute statesmanship and negotiating skills made him popular among both Arab and world leaders.
His unflinching contribution in domestic and international political affairs is a brilliant example future generations of leaders can emulate. Sheikh Zayed not only brought international recognition to the UAE, but also made sure the country played a positive role in world affairs.
One of the fine examples of this endeavour is the participation of the UAE armed forces in the NATO-led mission in Kosovo in 1999, with the UAE being the only Arab country to join this expedition. Thanks to Sheikh Zayed's efforts, the UAE has today grown into a country that is able to play an active role in world affairs, and more so in the Arab world and Islamic countries.
One of the Arab world's longest serving presidents, Sheikh Zayed played a leading role as Ruler of Abu Dhabi for nearly half a century and as President of the UAE for the last three decades. He was the grandson of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, who ruled Abu Dhabi 1855-1909, in one of the longest reigns in the emirate's history.
His father was Ruler of Abu Dhabi between 1922-1926. When the British announced their withdrawal plans from the Gulf in 1968, Sheikh Zayed called for the formation of a union between the different emirates, including Bahrain and Qatar. Resolutely he continued pursuing this call with determination because he firmly believed only such unity would protect the emirates' existence following the withdrawal.
Some laughed off the idea, others were apprehensive about the survival of the federation, if ever established, beyond its first year. Yet to the surprise of sceptics, the UAE federation went on to become one of the prime examples of unity and brotherhood that has stood the test of time.
Sheikh Zayed's philosophy of brotherhood extended to the Arab world. He believed Arab unity in its brotherly sense could only be achieved if differences were put aside and divisions were overcome. His ardent belief in these two factors saw him play the mediator's role on a number of occasions. In 1994, when a civil war broke out in Yemen, Sheikh Zayed repeatedly called for and negotiated a dialogue between the warring factions.
Earlier, he was the first Arab leader to pioneer the 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. Furthermore, 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 Kuwait's invasion and persuaded a complete Arab reconciliation with Iraq in 1995.
Before the US-led invasion of Iraq, Sheikh Zayed made a brave decision in being the only Arab leader to propose that Saddam Hussein and his family be offered safe passage and sanctuary in another country.
He explained that his proposal was based on averting 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.
Incidentally, the active role of the UAE was not limited to the Arab and Muslim worlds. Rather, such a role has seen the country's presence enhanced on the international stage, especially during the beginning of the 1990s. Nothing is more evident than the UAE troops' participation in the UN's Restore Hope operation in Somalia in 1992 besides the UAE armed forces' presence in the Balkans.
Such participation is the reflection of Sheikh Zayed's belief in international solidarity and the need for the country to be represented at the international arena through assistance, cooperation and goodwill. (The Gulf News)
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While reading some of the few headlines including this..it's really shocking how such a wonderful man ended his last breath because honsetly he's being loved by all, if only others knew about it. He's surely got alot of achievements made and UAE is the country with such resources. i couldn't comment more on this but i salute this man for a job well done during his rule w/c is almost how many years..*30 plus to be exact*..I have no further comment on this but life has to move on.. :'(