“We make a living by what we get. But we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill
These words provide great testimony to Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s life. The UAE is commemorating, with zeal and fervour, this yera, 2018, the ‘Year of Zayed’. One of the themes of this milestone year is ‘Human Development’. It is amazing that within just 46 years, the UAE has progressed in leaps and bounds. This extraordinary nation is not only showing unwavering growth, but also helping other countries to gain a foothold.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development positioned UAE as the number one donor in 2016.
Undoubtedly, the seeds of these humanitarian efforts were sown by Shaikh Zayed, who believed that investment in his people would lead to progress and prosperity for the nation.
Shaikh Zayed was a true inspiration and the fountainhead of humanity and generosity. The Zayed Foundation for charity and humanitarian works established in 1992, has donated more than $460 million through various charity programs spread over almost 96 countries in the Arab world, Asia, Africa and Europe. Be it relief operations, disaster funds or providing healthcare, potable water, and sanitation infrastructure, the UAE has always been at the forefront of giving.
Inspired by the ideals of Shaikh Zayed, the Indian High School, besides other charities, has pledged Dh500,000 to Al Jalila Foundation, promoting their healthcare programmes. Finally, I rest my pen with a humble prayer, ‘May peace prevail throughout the world with humanity and charity and may the leaders of UAE prosper and grow along with their nation and its residents’.
