His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was close to his father, Sheikh Zayed, when he was the representative of the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in Al Ain City and the Eastern Region. Closeness to Sheikh Zayed gave him the opportunity to learn the arts of leadership and administration. Three years after Sheikh Zayed had assumed power in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in 1969, Sheikh Khalifa was appointed as the Crown Prince. At that time, he had just completed 21 year of age. Sheikh Khalifa's appointment was received with a grand welcome from Al Nahyan family and the local community because they knew Sheikh Khalifa, and his good qualities and characteristics.  

Here, it is worth mentioning that the presence of Sheikh Zayed as his role model had helped him in carrying out the tasks assigned to him. The most important thing that he learnt from his father at that period was patience, forbearance and careful consideration of all matters to avoid undesirable consequences of hasty decisions.

Since he is the elder son and was the right hand man of the late Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Khalifa was familiar with his people's concerns and aspirations, and well aware of the small details of their daily lives. This closeness enriched his life with multiple day-to-day activities.

Recalling the memories of his appointment as the Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa says: "I would not reveal a secret if I say that I did not know beforehand about the decision made by His Highness, my Father, and although at that time I was still young, I knew exactly the huge responsibility and the great duties associated with my new position."

In 1969, as His Highness Sheikh Khalifa became the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the efforts to establish the federal union of the United Arab Emirates gained momentum and Sheikh Zayed was at the center of these efforts. As Sheikh Zayed was deeply involved in building the federal state, it was natural that he would delegate major parts of his ruling responsibilities in Abu Dhabi to his son, the Crown Prince, who proved was capable of shouldering more and more burdens. On February 1969, Sheikh Khalifa had assumed the duties of the Defense Department in Abu Dhabi and on July 1st 1971, he became the Prime Minister of Abu Dhabi, in addition to assuming the responsibilities of Defense and Finance.

With the formation of the Union State on the 2nd of December 1971, the responsibilities of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan increased remarkably. In addition to his positions on the local level of Abu Dhabi Emirate, he assumed his first federal position when he was appointed as the Federal Deputy Prime Minister; a position that meant a lot in a country that needs a comprehensive and transformative change.

The new role, and the huge responsibilities that came along with it, however, neither undermined Sheikh Khalifa's enthusiasm nor affected his efforts on the local level of Abu Dhabi. He said: "The will of building this nation generates happiness within myself, and motivates me to sacrifice and give more." He completed the restructuring of the government body in the Abu Dhabi Emirate in a manner that corresponds to the formation of the Union. Sheikh Khalifa dissolved the local Cabinet, and replaced it with an Executive Council, led by himself, on February 20th 1974.    

Under this new government re-structuring process, it was determined that some sectors shall be placed under local supervision, while other local facilities and services shall be attached to the federal government. This had a double effect: it enhanced the federal entity by spreading its umbrella to include some local facilities, while it maintained some forms of decentralization in managing some daily life affairs.

The distribution of powers between local and federal authorities has also affected Sheikh Khalifa's role in managing the country. Since Abu Dhabi is the biggest and richest Emirate among its other sister emirates, it was destined for the Emirate to shoulder the largest share of responsibility, especially when it comes to matters of establishing, managing and funding federal institutions, a matter that added to the already crowded list of priorities for His Highness Sheikh Khalifa.

Moreover, important aspects of the federal work continued until he left his federal position as the Federal Deputy Prime Minister in 1974. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa resumed his federal duties in 1976, but this time as the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates, following the historic resolution made by the Supreme Council of the Union to merge the Armed Forces under one Command and one Flag, in order to better enable him to develop and build these forces.

The accomplishments that were achieved in the field of building the federal Armed Forces represented an important page in the history of the Emirates. The balanced characteristic of the foreign policy of the United Arab Emirates and its strong focus on bolstering good relations with its Arab, regional and international surroundings, made it a country with almost no enemies, a reality that led to the introduction of a different role for the Emirati Armed Forces other than the traditional role of armies.

Sheikh Khalifa focused on making the military establishment a huge institution with multiple specializations, where trained human cadres are prepared. Several military colleges were established, including air and marine colleges. And within Ten years; the Emirati Armed Forces and its establishments produced many leaders whose roles in the country were not limited to the military life, but spread to all aspects of civil work also.

The new character of the Emirati military establishment could be attributed to the vision and philosophy of Sheikh Khalifa on which this establishment was built. As much as he places importance on building and developing this establishment in a manner that responds to the functions and roles it was built to handle, he places the same importance to building the state with all of its establishments. His Highness says: "building the state is a dual process; it is building the strength of the country and at the same time, it represents the strength of building. Building the army is parallel to, and in complete balance with, the civilian growth process."

In the final quarter of 2004, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan passed away, and with his death, the Emirates and its people lost a gracious and generous father, while the Arabs and the world lost a leader. All eyes and hearts turned to the growing state to see who shall take the lead, but the waiting was not long, the wise Sheiks of the Emirates, the members of the Supreme Council of the Union, met at Al Bateen Palace in Abu Dhabi to discuss and decide the successor.

The historical meeting was presided over by the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his capacity as the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The meeting was attended by the Rulers of the Emirates who unanimously agreed to elect His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, as the President of the United Arab Emirates. Immediately after the meeting, they issued a statement declaring their decision to the public, which included: "Under Article 51 of the Permanent Constitution, His Highness Sheikh khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, is unanimously elected as the President of the United Arab Emirates in succession to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan."

Their highnesses, the members of the Supreme Council of the Union, the Rulers of the Emirates, confirmed during the meeting that was chaired by the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashed Al Maktoum, their resolve to remain loyal to the distinguished principles of leadership and rule established by the Late Great Founder of the State, and also to the noble and original values that he planted and rooted, that had manifested all meanings of justice, tolerance, and goodness in its best form.

The Council expressed its full confidence that the people of the Emirates will remain as Zayed wished them to be, guardians to the Union and its great accomplishments at all levels, and prayed that God bestow His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, all care and grace, and guide him to serve the country and the people of the Emirates.

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, expressed his appreciation for the precious confidence entrusted in him by his brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates. He confirmed his determination to follow on Sheikh Zayed's footsteps with regards to cooperation and solidarity with his brothers, their highnesses the members of the Supreme Council of the Union, in order to strengthen the Union's march towards prosperity and stability of the United Arab Emirates, and maintain the welfare of its people.

The upbringing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in AL Ain City had a special effect on him because this city, considered the second largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, represents the base for many local tribes; and that granted him ample opportunities to be fully aware of the concerns of citizens and made him close to their aspirations and hopes.

This was crystal clear during the development boom period, when His Highness launched many initiatives geared towards benefiting the UAE nationals. Such initiatives received the blessing of his father, Sheikh Zayed, who delegated to him more powers, particularly on the internal level. His Highness is still following the same approach of the late Sheikh Zayed that focuses on serving his fellow citizens, embodying Sheikh Zayed's wisdom that: "money is useless if it is not dedicated for the favor of the people."

Outside and inside the Emirates alike, the white hands of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan brought goodness and generosity, bearing the name of the Emirates all over the world. The UAE had obvious and remarkable contribution to all efforts exerted to maintain the prosperity and welfare to people, all people, starting with brothers in the region, and those sharing the same faith and brotherhood of mankind.

Researchers and scholars all agree that the ideas you believe in, in addition to your daily acts, are the true reflection of your personality. These ideas can be identified by the statements made by the person on various occasions as they form a clear pattern of the philosophy and ideas that such person believes in and acts accordingly. As per this methodology, we choose to list some brief examples that reflect the ideas and philosophy of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, which he stated on different occasions during his eventful journey:

On the National Level

"Our main goal in the United Arab Emirates is to build the country and the citizen. The major part of our country's income shall be dedicated to make up for what we had missed, and to keep up with developed nations that are ahead of us, in our attempts to build our country."

"The human being is the true wealth of this country, before and after oil. And the interest of the country is the goal that we are all working to achieve day and night"

"The process of building the human being is totally different from all other building processes because the human being is the cornerstone and foundation of the comprehensive social and economic development process, and upon the human being lays the responsibility of advancing forward the journey of this nation."

"The biggest and greatest accomplishment that gives us pride is building the human beings of the Emirates, preparing and qualifying them to take their place and participate effectively in building the country."

"The most important projects that we are executing are those aiming in the first place to build the human being and to secure his future and guarantee the security of our future generations, as the human being represents the best investment in our land."

"The wealth that this generation is enjoying does not belong to it alone, we are aiming to provide the best possible prosperity conditions and stability for the future generations by diversifying the sources of national income and establishing strong economy in all sectors."

"Citizenship is not constantly the act of taking, before everything it is the act of giving, to give even to the limit of sacrificing oneself for the country because citizenship is a responsibility regardless to the position of the citizen."

"From now on, we will think about how to face the future when the oil runs out. This can be achieved by diversifying national income early so that our economy does not continue to depend on petroleum. Building the human being on this land is the true wealth because money doesn't last and knowledge is the basis of every progress."

"The United Arab Emirates is not obtaining arms to launch attacks but it does so because it believes that weakness encourages aggression and also, strength is a condition to support peace."

On the Arabian Level

"In the United Arab Emirates, the basis of how we see the Arab issues is that they are interrelated issues, and that the pain of the Arab is one, and when the Arabs suffer in the occupied Palestine or in Lebanon, this suffering touches the sons of the Emirates, and also, when we solve an Arab problem, the relief touches us all, the pan Arab security is one and none of us would feel safe while the house of his brother is crumbling and his safety and life are in danger."

"The Emirates' position regarding the rights of Arabs is specific and clear, it is not only support, but continuous consolidation, with everything we have. The Arabian cause is one after all."

"Any cooperation between Arabs even on the bilateral level is a positive thing, and there is no contradiction between the joint Arab work and the Arab regional councils. We need to achieve integration between the Arab resources."

"Building the bridges of trust between different Arab capitals facilitates the achievement of solidarity that enable us to invest all available capabilities in a way that help us face the challenges before us. We are required now, more than ever, to rise above the bilateral and side differences to the level that makes us able to meet and exchange views with ease and responsibility and agree on a specific and clear stance."

"The security of the Gulf does not necessarily mean military aspect only, it should be considered from the point of view of protecting the region from pollution for instance. In addition, the security of the Gulf shall be maintained if we establish around and inside the region the proper, protective and secured belt. The security of the Gulf shall be established if we provide the people of the region with food security that is not affected or threatened by fluctuations in other parts of the world. In addition, the security of the Gulf, after all, is an integral part of the pan Arab national security that cannot be achieved without the own power of the Arab countries and the positive cooperation with all countries surrounding the Gulf."

On the Global Level

"The United Arab Emirates shall continue its distinguished civilized approach in dealing with the outer world and its continuous call for fulfilling rights, relieving the aggrieved and building bridges of tolerance and cooperation between all people on earth, and enabling humanity, the entire humanity, to live in peace, prosperity and harmony."

The efforts of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan were not limited to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Since he assumed power in Abu Dhabi, he aimed to unite all the Emirates. Less than two years after he became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi he initiated a call to unite the Emirates saying, "Unity is the way to strength, honor and power. Division only leads to weakness. There is no place in today's world for weak entities. These are the lessons of history throughout ages".

This wise and honest call was favorably received, and there was a meeting between the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai in the area of Al Samha on 18 February 1968. This meeting followed the declaration made by the British Government in the same year that it would evacuate its troops from the Conciliated Emirates in the Gulf before 1971.

The meeting focused on establishing a union between the two emirates to supervise foreign affairs, defense, internal security, health, and educational services. They agreed to invite the rulers of the other emirates to a meeting in Dubai to discuss the establishment of a an united group of emirates: which would be a union between nine emirates  including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, as well as Bahrain and Qatar.

The result of the meeting was that the call for Union was launched. It was supported by Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, and the rulers of the other Emirates responded favorably to this honest call and held another meeting from the 25th to 27th of February, 1968, in Dubai. It resulted in the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.

Continuous and conclusive meetings, gatherings and consultations between the Rulers were held from 11th to 15th October 1969 in which it was agreed to execute the Dubai Agreement, and formally declare the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was elected as President of the UAE and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum was elected as Vice President of UAE.

On 18 July 1971, the Rulers' Council of the Union held an important meeting in Dubai where they formally approved the federal stateof the United Arab Emirates, in response to the wish of people in the region.

On 2 December 1971, history witnessed the birth of a modern state. The new-born country joined the Arab League on December 6th, 1971, becoming its eighteenth state. On the 9th of December 1972, only a week after its establishment, the UAE became the 132nd member of the United Nations. The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah joined the union on 10 February 1972. Immediately upon the declaration of the union, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan offered to dedicate all the Government of Abu Dhabi's material sources and administrative and technical expertise to serve the federal state. He said: "The union is my wish and it is the ultimate goal I seek for the benefit of the UAE's people."  

The late Sheikh Zayed said that the goal of the Union was to bring happiness to the UAE's citizens and to build a modern state. "From the beginning we realized that the union is the right means to our strength and progress. It is the way to make our people happy, and provide a decent life for them and for future generations, with Allah's will. We also realized that we cannot achieve this goal except under a well rooted federal state that realizes the lessons of our history, lives the present, and moves towards a future, taking Islam as the framework that guides its internal and external policy.

From the moment the federal state was established, the wheels of development began turning. Since the first day he assumed power, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan dedicated the wealth of the country to improve people's standards of living and create a more progressive and prosperous country. He said: "We have dedicated everything we own in terms of wealth and petroleum to improving the living standards of every person in the United Arab Emirates, driven by our belief that these people are the rightful owner of this wealth, and that they should make up what he missed in order to catch up with the march of civilization and progress."

The late Sheikh Zayed added, "If Allah the Almighty had bestowed us with wealth, our first commitment is to seek Allah's satisfaction and in order to express our gratitude to Him we need to utilize this wealth by making this country better and by bringing goodness to its people."

A few years after its establishment, the UAE became a modern and prosperous country where its citizens enjoy luxury and prosperity, as confirmed by the statement of His Highness that the hopes of the people "came true thanks to the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. Progress and prosperity have become a reality of our lives."

He added, "We could not have dreamt of achieving this level of development. It was truly beyond our imagination. The speed of our growth is exceptional."

The way Sheikh Zayed guided the formation of the union has had a lasting effect on the UAE, and his memory will forever be rooted in the consciousness of the nation as a result.

On several occasions, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan expressed his satisfaction with the achievements of the union saying: "We, thanks to Allah, feel relieved and happy as the union continues its march on the right path. The way the United Arab Emirates is moving steadfastly from one phase to another has become a source of pride for all of us."

"Everything that I and my brothers the rulers of the Emirates spent long nights caring about and being patient with, was achieved. With Allah's help and grace, we have reached a stage where the majority of our goals for the good of the UAE people have been fulfilled: goals that seemed once far and distant, and beyond our reach," His Highness said.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan believed that holding counsel (Shura) should be a core component of governance. He said, "Ruling with counsel is a command from Allah and he who does not abide by Allah's commands shall be the loser."

His approach comes from his belief in, and reliance on Allah, the Almighty in every step. His highness said, "My philosophy in life is that I believe that all things are in the hands of Allah the Almighty and that man should act as if inspired by his belief in Allah, with dedication and diligence. If I succeed in my quest, I thank Allah for his grace and if I was mistaken in my diligence, I return to the right path. Everything runs according to the will of Allah the Almighty; He runs and manages our lives. The worshiper should seek the approval of Allah, to act and rely on Allah. Allah guides individuals to success only when their belief in God is strong. Allah grants them peace of mind, and that is the ultimate happiness."

The counsel approach that Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan adopted was reflected in his strong desire to hold open and direct meetings with citizens at their workplaces, and in their places of residence, whether these were located in the cities or in the deserts. While traveling throughout the country, he facilitated a deep and honest closeness between the leadership and the people. His highness used to emphasize the importance of this approach, which is based on an open door policy between the ruler and his people, by saying: "Our door is open and shall always be like that."

"The ruler should meet the members of his people continuously and there should be no barriers between him and them under any circumstances." His Highness said.

Sheikh Zayed continued: "The ruler, any ruler, is only there to serve his people and secure for them prosperity and progress. To achieve this, he should live among his people to feel their wishes and know their problems and this cannot be achieved if he isolates himself from them."

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan was keen to offer his people a wide range of opportunities to participate in public life. He said, "When the ruler is self-assured and confident, he offers opportunities to his people. He appoints qualified and well-experienced officials to assist him in realizing what is best for the country."

"Our goal in life is to uphold the value of justice, be morally right, and support the weak against the dominant. We are not cautious about ordinary people's participation in the responsibility of ruling as long as these are our goals. We think that our duty is to share responsibilities with the citizens, and we did this just as Islam calls for true democracy and justice," he added.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan led by example. He traveled throughout the country to follow up on the progress of work and to engage with his people's wishes and concerns, away from government offices and departments and official reports. He said, "I want officials to see me with their eyes at work, at any time, without preparation, so that every official shall follow this path and deliver on our mission".

The keenness of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to empower his people and build their capacities represented one of the most important achievements of the United Arab Emirates. It was based on his conviction that the development of the human being is at the center of any real progress. "We realized from the beginning that the human being is the basis of every civilized process and he is at the center of every true progress," Sheikh Zayed confirmed.

The UAE worked on building state-of-the-art infrastructure projects that included hospitals, schools, higher education institutions, cultural and vocational training centers, and military, academic, and technical establishments necessary for achieving this noble goal. He paved the way to create the appropriate conditions that would enable UAE citizens to bear their national responsibilities efficiently. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan said, "Wealth is not money. Wealth lies in men. This is where true power lies: the power we value. This is what has convinced us to direct all our resources to building the individual, and to using the wealth which God has provided us in the service of the nation."

He believed that the human being is the basis of any civilization and the core of any real progress saying, "No matter how many buildings, foundations, schools and hospitals we build, or how many bridges we raise, all these are material entities. The real spirit behind the progress is the human spirit and the able man with his intellect and capabilities."

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan expressed his satisfaction with the successful and continuous efforts made in building people's capacities in the UAE. He said, "We have harvested a lot and harvested what the citizen, the friend, or the brother did not imagine. And the best thing that we harvested in this country is building the human being whom should be given priority, attention, and care".

According to Sheikh Zayed's perspective, citizens are the means and the ultimate end at the same time. To establish this principle, all the agencies and bodies in the UAE joined forces to contribute to building Emirati people, and empowering them to overcome any obstacle.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan said on the 13th of February, 1972, that the UAE Constitution enshrines the principles of equality and social justice, and the need for the provision of security. It ensures equal opportunities for all citizens, as well as solidarity and compassion, and considers the family as the basis of society. The UAE Constitution also encourages morality and love for the country.  It values childhood and motherhood, protects minors and disabled persons, promises to provide jobs for citizens and to qualify them for such jobs. It also protects private and public properties, encourages cooperation and saving, and considers the wealth and natural resources in every Emirate as public property for that Emirate.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan gave considerable attention to taking care of the youth. He was always keen to encourage them to equip themselves with knowledge so that they could contribute to serving the country. Sheikh Zayed also urged them to know the past well, and the difficult conditions and hardships that faced their fathers and grandfathers, so that they could protect and maintain the gains that had been achieved. He called on youth to work hard, reminding them that work is an honor and a duty at the same time. He said, "Work is important and valuable as long as it contributes to developing people. The progress of nations is only achieved at the hands of its youth."

On many occasions he said, "The vast wealth that had been achieved will not last without more effort and sacrifice. We should work hard in order to protect our national gains and enhance the forward momentum of our union. We should work hard to multiply our strength and prosperity. This is not possible without constructive and active participation in the society."

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan stressed the importance of the participation of youth in the country's comprehensive development. He said, "We continue working with all our might and ability at all official and non-official levels in order to maintain our gains and achieve more accomplishments for the good of our people and country. However, we look forward to real participation from all sons and daughters of the UAE, an active participation in the comprehensive development process with its political, economic, social, and cultural aspects. The future is in your hands, Emirati youth, you will determine the way it will be. Try your best to benefit from opportunities available now, use them wisely in a way that is not only rewards you, but also brings goodness to your families and country as well."

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan emphasized that the Government could not solely lead youth empowerment, and that is would require a multitude of partners. He said, "We call upon all government, private and national organizations to join forces and partner in launching various and advanced programs that aim to empower youth, and equip them with the right skills, thus qualifying them for the future."

Although we have come a long way in terms of training and qualifying our male and female youth, there is still a real need to continue and even intensify our work. We think that ensuring that all our male and female youth are employed is a goal that we should dedicate all our abilities and efforts to achieve.

This requires us to continue the reformation and modernization of educational curricula and to maintain abreast of the latest developments in sciences and technology.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan placed special attention on the empowerment of women in the country. "Women are half of society. She is the housekeeper and partner in preparing the future generations. No country in the midst of building itself can leave women in the darkness of ignorance or the captivity of oppression chains," he said.

With this progressive vision, women started taking full responsibility side by side with men in various fields of work. They actively contributed toward the economic, social, and cultural development of the country. They enjoyed equal rights and duties in line with the teachings of Islam, gracious Sharia, and the customs and traditions of the UAE.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan said, "We have the right to speak proudly about the great accomplishments that women have achieved in our country. We continue to be very keen to provide all assistance and support to women in everything that may enhance their role in the society and increase the scope of their participation in the comprehensive development process.

We are pleased to note that women in the United Arab Emirates have shown a unique determination in this regard. We see her embracing all kinds of scientific fields with remarkable enthusiasm that is an example to be followed. We also see her working efficiently and actively in both public and private sectors, while continuing to play the main role in maintaining the family. Family represents the nucleus of the society and deserves our care and attention. Women are committed to raising their children based on our religious and cultural values."

He confirmed that, "Women have access to all fields of work in the United Arab Emirates just like men." He pointed out that women had made giant steps forward on the path of participation in building a sustainable future of the country. The General Women's Union led by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak "Mother of the Nation" endeavors to support women's role in society, increase their participation in development, and their representation at Arab and International forums."

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan supported the idea that women should hold the highest positions at work: in decision-making positions and in politics. He said, "I am advocating for women. I always say this to confirm her right to work, and to fully participate in building her country".

Known for his love of nature and a keenness to preserve the environment, Sheikh Zayed, in his first actions as ruler of Abu Dhabi, focused on the promotion of agriculture and the expansion of greenery to curb desertification. "On land and in the sea, our fore-fathers lived and survived in this environment. They were able to do so because they recognized the need to conserve it, to take from it only what they needed to live, and to preserve it for successive generations."

In his role as President of the UAE, he made his concern for environmental conservation a national priority and created the political infrastructure for environmental research, protection, and development. Not only did Sheikh Zayed support the growing of crops, but he also ordered the plantation of more than 140 million trees throughout the UAE. Furthermore, he founded a programme to protect local animals, such as the Dorcas Gazelle and the Arabian Oryx. In acknowledgement of his strong support of environmental protection, Sheikh Zayed was the first head of state to be honoured, in 1995, with the Golden Panda award by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). In 2005, one year after he had passed away, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) honored Sheikh Zayed posthumously as an outstanding and innovative leader with the 'Champion of the Earth' award.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan had a very progressive vision for agriculture and forestation. He allocated vast areas of lands, in which he established ambitious projects that would promote agriculture, help spread vegetation, protect wildlife, and curb desertification in the country. This policy has contributed towards raising people's awareness of the importance of agriculture, and the strengthening of their connection to their land.

"They used to say that agriculture has no future [in the UAE], but with God's blessing and our determination, we have succeeded in transforming this desert into a green land," he said. He expressed his pride in the achievements made by the UAE in terms of agriculture and forestation. "What makes us proud is that the UAE was able to achieve amazing successes in turning desert areas into green landscapes." The UAE's success was not limited to planting such vast areas of the desert, but also strengthened its people's connection with their land. This was achieved through extensive awareness campaigns, guidance and training programs, and continuous and limitless support.

On June 2, 2001, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization awarded Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan the "Medal of International Day of Food" in recognition of his efforts and great contributions in serving humanity.

Several international bodies commended the achievements of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in combating desertification and protecting rare species of animals and plants.

Known for his keenness to preserve heritage and folklore, the late Sheikh Zayed established an award bearing His Highness's name for the best global moral and human culture.

International bodies commended Sheikh Zayed's initiative to award a USD 150,000 prize every two years to encourage human creativity in all fields, and to protect and encourage the preservation, protection, and promotion of cultural spaces, or forms of folklore or traditional cultural expression. Since his early childhood, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was connected to the desert life, its environment and culture. He said, "Our ancestors left us a great legacy of folklore that we should be very proud of. We need to maintain and preserve it, make it an asset for this country and the future generations."

In his gatherings with youth and citizens, Sheikh Zayed used to emphasize the need to be familiar with one's cultural heritage, and to keep it alive in other people's memories. He said, "Youth should think and ask about history, and about how past generations lived. I believe that those who don't know their history certainly don't know their present, but if a person knows his past then he should be prepared well for the future." He added, "Any nation without a cultural heritage does not have a future."

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his brothers Their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council of the Union, the Rulers of the Emirates, all offered support to folk sports such as Arab camel races, folk marine races, horsemanship, and falconry.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan placed great importance on maintaining the sport of falconry because it is the sport with the richest cultural heritage: one that has been inherited from fathers and grandfathers in the Gulf region and Arabian Peninsula. Over years, Emirati people have developed an excellent knowledge of the different kinds of falcons, the best ways to breed them, train them, and look after them, as well as mastering the ways to tame this bird: symbolizing power and pride.

The late Sheikh Zayed spoke about the fact that Arab people were pioneers in this field before the knowledge of this sport spread to other nations. Falconry is an important sport and a means to learn patience and endurance. It is useful both psychologically and physically. In addition, this sport has its own set of knowledge that should be retained: the speed of falcons and their ability to fly, maneuver, and hunt for food."

In September 2001, the "Emirates Falconers Club" was established. It was chaired by H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minster, who confirmed that falconry is one of the most important Arab sports, one that has been practiced by the region's ancestors for thousands of years. The Club aims at raising awareness of this sport, improving the falconry sport in the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Gulf region, and promoting it as part of this region's heritage.

For over three decades, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan devoted all his efforts towards achieving agreement between Arab leaders by promoting values of understanding and tolerance. His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan had always emphasized the dangers of continuous division, and stressed that it would be a constant concern for him, knowing the full extent of the havoc that such differences could cause.

In order to counter those negative effects, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan made extensive efforts to bring Arab people together, urging them to overcome their differences, in order to improve the international position of the Arab and Islamic nations, and enhance the lives of their people.

He confirmed, "Praise be to Allah that the Arab nation is huge in terms of size, wealth, and goodness. We should commit ourselves to bear the responsibility and move away from the path of loss and weakness that we are now following. We should endeavor, with every possible effort and without delay, to recoup the losses we've suffered as a people, and instead follow the right path."

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan confirmed that the United Arab Emirates supports everything that may enhance the Arab position. He said that this would happen with hard work, with honest brotherly spirit, and a sense of tolerance and forgiving.His decisions and stances consistently reflected his wisdom, frankness, and courage.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan passed away on 2 November 2004, leaving behind a great legacy as the Father of the nation. By his death the world lost one of the most prominent and visionary leaders in the twentieth century: a wise man who led by example, and devoted his entire life to creating a better and more prosperous life for his people and for the world as a whole.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan was succeeded as the UAE's President and as Ruler of Abu Dhabi by his eldest son, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2004.

The principles and philosophy that he brought to government, however, remain at the core of the state and its policies today.