Abu Dhabi: Leaving behind a long lasting legacy in humanitarian work, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan continues to inspire countless of young Emiratis with his selfless acts, as they hope to follow in his charitable path of helping others.
Now studying at universities, the young Emirati students spoke about Shaikh Zayed’s generous attitude and its influence on them, providing them with an outlook on life that has motivated them to play their role in helping their community and those in need.
Faisal Essam, 22, Abu Dhabi University
“The late Shaikh Zayed’s humanitarian work and care for others is a big influence on us as Emiratis, especially for the young generation who wish to emulate his charitable example. Shaikh Zayed’s good deeds and traits always inspires me to help other people and to have a giving attitude. It feels great when you can help others and it’s one of the things that makes me most happy. As young Emiratis we want to follow in Shaikh Zayed’s footsteps and to keep his legacy of helping other people in need alive, the best way to honour his memory and work is by doing the same as he did.”
Ali Lari, 19, Zayed University
“I was a young child when Shaikh Zayed was alive, and as I grew up and learned about him I really got inspired to know how generous he was and how he was always trying to help other people whether they were inside or outside the UAE. Shaikh Zayed’s humanitarian character definitely set an example for the country and Emiratis - an example we always try to follow and keep alive. Everyday we read the quotes of Shaikh Zayed and his encouragement to lend a helping hand to other people, he showed what a great leader he was with his charitable work, and it makes me very proud as a young Emirati.”
Shaikha Al Mutawa, 22, Khalifa University
“Since I was young I always heard about Shaikh Zayed and his humanitarian work, and this influenced me a lot as I grew up hoping that I could do the same as he did. When I came to university I became the president of a group called hope club - a charitable club that supports non-profit organisations – and we managed to help an organisation that was building hospitals in Bangladesh. That experience of being able to be a part of such a humanitarian project will be something that stays with me for the rest of my life, and it was the late Shaikh Zayed who was the inspiration for me to be involved with such a project.”
Hessa Al Rais, 21, Zayed University
“The journey and work of the late Shaikh Zayed started before I was born, the land was growing with buildings, schools and health services. Shaikh Zayed was building a nation to see his people thrive and prosper. Shaikh Zayed did not stop and limit his kindness and generosity to his people only, he opened his arms to all of humanity as well. Our responsibilities now is to maintain what we have been doing since the time of Shaikh Zayed, to continue developing and to continue giving back to our country. We must also help as much as we can other people, to maintain the great image of the UAE that was started by Shaikh Zayed.”
Hanouf Al Hammadi, 22, Khalifa University
“Shaikh Zayed’s charitable work is a huge inspiration to us because when you see his example of giving to others you want to follow and do the same, and you want to do your best to keep that legacy of his alive. I believe that we must always give to the people around us, not just to our family, but also to our friends, neighbours and the people living in the countries around us. If you are in a good situation then you should strive to achieve the same for other people, providing them with what they need to become successful.”
Buthaina Abdul Hakeem, 24, Zayed University
“Equipped with wisdom and generosity, the late Shaikh Zayed built this great nation to pursue nothing but tolerance and care towards our neighbours and all of mankind. The UAE’s list of achievements, which is witnessed today, is a result of a forward going vision by the humanitarian legacy of our father Zayed, who has instilled many values and principles at the heart of every citizen seeking to raise the country.”
Amna Al Jallaf, 25, Emirati Dubai, marketing executive
I think I was 10 years-old or younger when Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan passed away, but I was lucky to have lived some time to witness his humanitarian works and contributions not only in the UAE but around the world. To be able to see someone build a country from nothing and also witness his generosity is truly inspiring to me. The late Shaikh Zayed was a leader who loved to spread happiness and joy and opened the doors for people to get their education for free. I learned a lot about his foreign aid projects in Africa at a younger age, where he had built many clinics and houses. With everything we had here he wanted it to also be there in other countries, such as access to education and healthcare, which is a basic human right. His generosity and values are reflected in every single Emirati today. Many Emiratis want good things for others and this is because Shaikh Zayed inspired us to be selfless. Because of his generous vision, I was able to get my education for free for my whole life.
Saif Abdullah, 29, radio presenter
The late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan transformed the UAE from a desert and used his wealth to build hospitals, schools and colleges and advance the country. He was a leader who devoted his life to the service of his people and the creation of a better world. I believe every Emirati should follow his footsteps and humanitarian vision by volunteering to build new schools, colleges and homes for underprivileged people because this is what our father, Shaikh Zayed, taught us to do. His legacy and generosity still thrives today and lives within each Emirati. Doing charitable works is part of our culture as Emiratis and I make sure to carry on this legacy by helping others in need whenever I can.
