Those in the UAE woke up to something unusual on their phones – Monday, 4th June 2018 was observed as Zayed Humanitarian Day and all the phones displayed this on the screens as well. We look at the observance of Zayed Humanitarian Day, the idea behind it as well as the history of humanitarian work of UAE’s founding father.
The name of phone networks in the UAE changed on 4th June. On the phone screen where one would usually see the network name, “Zayed Humanitarian Day” was displayed instead.
On the 19th Ramadan day each year, the country observes Zayed Humanitarian Day to recall the good deeds and the achievements of the nation's founding father and to be inspired. Each year, various charitable initiatives mark the event.
2018 is the birth centenary of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is being celebrated as the Year of Zayed in the UAE and elsewhere. If the UAE is viewed as a successful, modern, technologically advanced and progressive, this owes itself in large part to his vision and his efforts.
Not only was he the main driving force behind the formation of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed is also remembered for his various charitable and humanitarian initiatives involving public, private, government and nongovernmental organisations.
In strife torn Palestine, the Sheikh Zayed Suburb Project of Jerusalem was a very important initiative. In addition there was the reconstruction of Jenin Camp at the cost of about Dh 100 million as well as the start of schools, hospitals and health centers in West Bank and Gaza to help the displaced and the underprivileged. Zayed City in Gaza offered homes for those who had been wounded or bereaved in the Israel conflict.
The nation’s Marib dam was rebuilt to end centuries of flooding. Various humanitarian and development programs in Yemen were funded by Dh664 million aid from the Red Crescent. In addition Dh500 million were raised to help rebuild the country and UAE was the first nation to respond to the UN call for aid following a famine.
Following the 1973 war, the expenses of rebuilding Port Said, Suez and Ismailia were covered by the efforts of Sheikh Zayed. He donated $20 million to revive the ancient library in Alexandria on the occasion of the international celebrations in Aswan in 1990.
Sheikh Zayed reportedly helped establish a medical college, pledged funds for rural development in Darfur. At various times, drought and flood relief were also provided.
After the war, Lebanon’s rebuilding process was greatly assisted by Sheikh Zayed’s efforts in the form of loans, grants and financial aid. In Syria as well, industrial projects worth hundreds of millions of dirhams were initiated.
Also known as the Mother of the UAE, Sheikha Fatima, wife of the late Sheikh Zayed also spoke about his commitment to women’s development; particularly their education. “Sheikh Zayed looked forward to the day when he could see female Emirati doctors, engineers and ambassadors and his wishes came true,” she was quoted as having said.
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