ABU DHABI- Ahead of the launch of the Year of Zayed and under the directives of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Higher National Committee for Year of Zayed today launched the official logo for the highly-anticipated initiative in the presence of Sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries and VIPs.

Earlier this year on 6th August, the anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyans Accession Day, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa declared 2018 the Year of Zayed, a nation-wide initiative, which will highlight the UAE founding fathers unparalleled role in establishing the UAE Federation, his local, regional and international achievements as well as his values and principles.

Shedding light on the many facets of Sheikh Zayeds dynamic persona as a visionary leader, distinguished humanitarian and beacon for future generations, the Year of Zayed logo features a powerful silhouette of Sheikh Zayeds profile in a monochromatic colour scheme. Honouring Sheikh Zayeds legacy as the founder of the UAE and celebrating his vision, which continues to guide and inspire a path of progress and prosperity for the modern nation, the emblem will be used for all official communications pertaining to the initiative.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said, "The Year of Zayed is a unique opportunity for the UAE community to come together and commemorate our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, through the many important roles he played during his life as a true peoples leader, as a visionary thinker and as a global figure. From his selfless dedication to the welfare of his people and unshakeable commitment to building the UAE of the future, to his far-reaching influence in the global community, Sheikh Zayeds life and legacy are a never-ending celebration of the principles, values and beliefs that are foundational to our countrys identity. 2018 will be a momentous year for the UAE, giving a unique opportunity to share our pride in the timeless legacy of Sheikh Zayed, whose vision and values continue to live on through the many precious memories in the hearts of the people whose lives he touched with his generosity and inspirational leadership." Commenting on the announcement, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, said, "The Year of Zayed is a national celebration of great significance for the entire UAE community, as we commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the birth of our founding father. 2018 is set to be a glorious year for the people of the UAE as we honour the late Sheikh Zayeds extraordinary life and his core beliefs, interests, causes and qualities that have served as the cornerstone of our nations growth and development. His foresight and vision for the countrys progress and prosperity continue to provide us with a roadmap for the future, and the Year of Zayed gives us a remarkable opportunity to celebrate his values through nationwide events and activities. The Higher National Committee in collaboration with The Founders Office will spare no efforts in the coming weeks to ensure that the Year of Zayed is a joyous occasion that unites the nation in the spirit of our late leader."The Year of Zayed logo will be supervised and granted for use by The Founders Office, established under Decree No. 09 of 2017. All local government and media entities are obliged to request permission from the Office in order to use the logo for all campaigns and initiatives related to the Year of Zayed starting from 1st January 2018.

To be held under four main themes of 'Wisdom', 'Respect', 'Sustainability' and 'Human Development', the Year of Zayed initiative will involve and engage with all demographics in the UAE, regionally and internationally to educate and create greater awareness of the life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed; raise his profile to that of one of the worlds greatest leaders and most inspirational figures; reinforce his status as an eternal source of national pride and a powerful symbol of the UAE around the world; and celebrate and honour his legacy through projects and initiatives that are consistent with his vision and values.

With the launch of the official logo, The Founders Office, which has been appointed by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs to oversee the planning and execution of all activities related to the late Sheikh Zayed, as directed by the Higher National Committee for Year of Zayed, warmly invites the UAE community to participate in the 'Year of Zayed'. Residents, businesses, societies, charities and other individuals and entities across the seven emirates are encouraged to organise activities and host appropriate events in honour of Sheikh Zayeds enduring legacy, celebrating his timeless vision that continues to guide and inspire the nation.

In order to receive recognition as an official event or initiative of the Year of Zayed, individuals and entities must obtain approval from the Higher National Committee for the Year of Zayed. It is also compulsory for all those developing official Year of Zayed events to use the Year of Zayed logo, which will be provided in high resolution by The Founders Office to all parties who receive the approval of the Higher National Committee.



Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.