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."