RABI HAMAMSAH (ABU DHABI)
On the occasion of Zayed Humanitarian Day, celebrating the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahya, Emiratis paid tributes to the visionary leader, humanitarian, and statesman.
Zayed Humanitarian Day, marked annually on the 19th day of the holy month of Ramadan, is a cherished occasion to commemorate the values and causes the Founding Father held dear.
In a message marking the occasion, Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi, Director-General of the Watani Al Emarat Foundation, said that the legacy of the Founding Father lives on in the hearts of Emiratis.
"On Zayed Humanitarian Day, we commemorate the passing of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul in peace, who laid the foundations for humanitarian and development work in the UAE, which, under the wise leadership, continues its established approach of spreading the culture of humanity and giving in the world," he said.
"We at the Watani Al Emarat Foundation are honoured to follow in the footsteps of the Founding Father in giving and goodness, and we affirm that Zayed Humanitarian Day will always remain a symbol of humanity and love," he added.
Also commenting on the occasion, Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted the importance of commemorating Zayed Humanitarian Day.
"Zayed Humanitarian Day embodies the approach taken by the UAE and the path of sustainable giving and continuous charitable work. It reflects the values of goodness and the meaning of tolerance and compassion. It reaffirms the good legacy left for us to continue humanitarian work and philanthropy," he said.
Al Hajri pointed out that this national occasion is rooted in "our souls, generation after generation, and has become an established system in our society and culture, a journey on the path of goodness and giving".
For his part, Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said that Zayed Humanitarian strives to embed humanitarian efforts as an essential component of life in the UAE.
"It symbolises the cohesion and unity in Emirati society, guided by wise leadership. Through this commemoration, we continue to revive the cherished values ingrained by Sheikh Zayed in the hearts of every individual in this benevolent nation," he added.
As for Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Human Resources Department of the Government of Dubai, Zayed Humanitarian Day highlights the pivotal role of the UAE in supporting charitable and development initiatives and accelerating the pace of relief efforts globally.
"Under the wise guidance of our wise leadership, the country has consolidated its position at the forefront of development aid. The impact of its humanitarian campaigns has reached communities across the world," he added.
Also commenting, Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, Secretary General of the Supreme Legislation Committee in Dubai, noted that Zayed Humanitarian Day pays tribute to the enduring culture of generosity and benevolence instilled by the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. "It is a celebration of his lasting legacy of philanthropy and humanitarianism, exemplified by his noble endeavours and initiatives," he noted.
"This day serves as a vivid reminder of the UAE's prominent role in global humanitarian efforts, highlighting its innovative contributions to relief efforts worldwide. With steadfast resolve, our beloved nation strives to alleviate the plight of the vulnerable, easing the suffering of disaster-stricken peoples around the world, and accelerating disaster recovery," Meshar added.