HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi announced 2018 as the ‘Year of Zayed’ in recognition and appreciation of our nation’s pride in light of the achievements and exceptional initiatives developed by the late founding father HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who had a pivotal role in building the nation’s land and establishing the country’s profile.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was an exceptional figure in every respect. He was a leader, father and visionary, qualities that helped him establish the union and consolidate the UAE’s status both regionally and globally. Since his accession day on 6th of August 1966, he laid the path for the country’s continued unity, placing the value of giving at its core. He stressed during his time the importance of the individual citizen and his role in supporting the development process. He also paid great attention to education and culture and saw great value in building the future based on scientific grounds.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has left a legacy for us to follow, a legacy which has made the UAE a prominent place in the region and across the globe. We take this opportunity to pay our highest tribute to the nation’s founding father and we renew our pledge of allegiance and loyalty to HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President; HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Forces. Our leadership spare no efforts to raise the

profile of our beloved country and its prosperity.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance