Sheikha Fatima hails declaration of 2018 as ‘Year of Zayed’

Abu Dhabi / WAM

HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the widow of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, hailed the decision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
to declare 2018 as the “Year
of Zayed”.
In a statement on the occasion, the Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and the President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, described the decision as one of the greatest gestures by the country’s people and leadership to honour her late husband, “Who led his country and his people towards progress and prosperity, paving the way for his successors to achieve their hopes and aspirations.”
Sheikha Fatima also expressed her appreciation for the directives issued by Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to begin work on a comprehensive framework to activate the programmes to achieve the goals of the year.
She said that Sheikh Zayed had “Created a miracle in the land of the UAE through his dedication and sincere efforts in building the country and establishing the values of happiness for his
people,” an experience which, she said, sets an example to
be followed and an achievement that requires much will and
determination.
Sheikha Fatima went on to reiterate the late Sheikh Zayed’s role in empowering Emirati women, saying, “Zayed made their dreams come true by empowering them in all areas of education, providing them with comprehensive health care, social integration, and making available work opportunities through which they have achieved success.” “We are always proud and grateful, and honour the late Sheikh Zayed for fulfilling the dreams of women in the UAE,” she added.
She said that the country’s wise leadership has followed in Zayed’s footsteps in empowering women, one example being the recent adoption of the National Strategy for Motherhood and Childhood and the strategic
plan for boosting the rights and development of children with disabilities 2017-2021.
She concluded her statement by calling on UAE women to
take part in galvanising the Year ofZayed by participating in its
activities
The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announced the decision on Saturday for the anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed’s Accession Day – the day he assumed leadership in Abu Dhabi on 6th August 1966 – which marked
the start of a new epoch in the history of the UAE.

Year of Zayed an
honour to founding father: Hamdan
bin Rashid
Abu Dhabi / WAM

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, stated that the declaration of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for 2018 to be the “Year of Zayed” is both an honour to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and an acknowledgment by UAE’s people of exemplary achievements and successful initiatives of the founding leader, which have had a pivotal role in development of the nation.

Year of Zayed will continue united journey of giving: Hazza bin Zayed
Abu Dhabi / WAM

HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has stressed that the declaration of 2018 to be the “Year of Zayed” highlights the unique position of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE, in the hearts of the nation’s people, as well as other Arab and global citizens. Sheikh Hazza added that the UAE’s journey of giving will continue in the Year of Zayed.