Special tribute to Zayed, UAE Yearbook 2005 on UAE Interact website
The tribute, available in English, Arabic and French languages will not only provide readers with valuable information on the great achievements of Sheikh Zayed, but also offer colourful insights into his life through an album of excellent pictures.
A paragraph in the tribute summarises the legacy left behind by Sheikh Zayed : "Insofar as it was possible to detect a single thread running through the statements and messages, as well as through the response of UAE residents, it was that the life and achievements of President Sheikh Zayed were characterised by his deep religious faith, his vision, his determination and hard work, his generosity, both at home and abroad, and the way in which he devoted his life to the service of his people and to the pursuit, at home and elsewhere, to helping those in need and to the creation of a better world." Meanwhile, the UAE Interact has also now posted on its site, the Ministry of Information and Culture's UAE Yearbook 2005 in English, French and Arabic.
The book is a comprehensive documentary that highlights tremendous achievements made by the UAE under the leadership of the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in all fields, including political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, health and educational domains.
In his foreword, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Information and Culture refers to the contributions of Sheikh Zayed in the development march of the UAE. " Involved in government as far back as 1946, Ruler of Abu Dhabi since 1966, the initiator, in 1968, of plans leading to the federation of the seven emirates and then UAE President, Sheikh Zayed led the country from underdevelopment and poverty to become the modern, prosperous and stable society that it is today.
Sheikh Zayed died on 2 November 2004. The deep sense of loss felt by so many will remain for a long time, but Sheikh Zayed always looked on the positive side of life and would want, more than anything, that we celebrate his life and all that he achieved.
This special edition of the UAE Yearbook is dedicated to that very purpose.
Through all the years of his Presidency Sheikh Zayed steered a straight course on this great voyage that we are engaged in, aimed at raising standards of living and creating a stable and free society in which business and creativity would prosper. He also fought against injustice and suffering on the international stage and contributed in a significant way to world peace. In doing so he earned deep as a statesman and the response to his death from world leaders, and a large number of ordinary people from all around the world, is testament to his impact.
Among the milestones that were passed in 2004, under Sheikh Zayed's Presidency, were two firsts - the first woman appointed as a member of the Council of Ministers, and the first UAE sportsman to win an Olympic Games medal - most appropriately a gold one! Both achievements reflect Sheikh Zayed's vision of how the country should develop - that women, like men, must contribute to the building of our nation and that each individual has a duty to strive for excellence.
The voyage that Sheikh Zayed began so many years ago continues today.
He has charted the waters well and has given us a well-founded vessel in which we can continue to travel safely on the same course, and with the same objectives in mind. We are deeply grateful for his contribution to building our nation and improving our lives. We will continue to work hard to honour his legacy," the foreword stated.
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