ABU DHABI, 26 Dec, 04 (WAM) - An interesting and detailed special tributeto the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is now availablein the PDF format on the UAE Interact, the official website of the Ministryof Information and Culture.
The tribute, available in English, Arabic and French languages willnot only provide readers with valuable information on the great achievementsof Sheikh Zayed, but also offer colourful insights into his life throughan album of excellent pictures.
A paragraph in the tribute summarises the legacy left behind by SheikhZayed : "Insofar as it was possible to detect a single thread runningthrough the statements and messages, as well as through the response ofUAE residents, it was that the life and achievements of President SheikhZayed were characterised by his deep religious faith, his vision, hisdetermination and hard work, his generosity, both at home and abroad,and the way in which he devoted his life to the service of his peopleand to the pursuit, at home and elsewhere, to helping those in need andto the creation of a better world." Meanwhile, the UAE Interact hasalso now posted on its site, the Ministry of Information and Culture'sUAE Yearbook 2005 in English, French and Arabic.
The book is a comprehensive documentary that highlights tremendous achievementsmade by the UAE under the leadership of the late President Sheikh Zayedbin 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 Informationand Culture refers to the contributions of Sheikh Zayed in the developmentmarch of the UAE. " Involved in government asfar 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 UAEPresident, Sheikh Zayed led the country from underdevelopment and povertyto 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 somany will remain for a long time, but Sheikh Zayed always looked on thepositive side of life and would want, more than anything, that we celebratehis 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 straightcourse on this great voyage that we are engaged in, aimed at raising standardsof living and creating a stable and free society in which business andcreativity would prosper. He also fought against injustice and sufferingon the international stage and contributed in a significant way to worldpeace. In doing so he earned deep as a statesman and the response to hisdeath from world leaders, and a large number of ordinary people from allaround 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 Councilof Ministers, and the first UAE sportsman to win an Olympic Games medal- most appropriately a gold one! Both achievements reflect Sheikh Zayed'svision of how the country should develop - that women, like men, mustcontribute to the building of our nation and that each individual hasa 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 vesselin which we can continue to travel safely on the same course, and withthe same objectives in mind. We are deeply grateful for his contributionto building our nation and improving our lives. We will continue to workhard to honour his legacy," the foreword stated.
