As the nation marks Zayed Humanitarian Day, which coincides with the death anniversary of the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the 19th of Ramadan, it is heartening to note that the UAE has shot to the global forefront as a leader of humanitarian activities at regional and international levels. 

"To this day, Sheikh Zayed's generous legacy has been kept alive, crossing all borders and barriers to touch the hearts of people in almost every country," said a UAE editorial. 

It added that the UAE has been contributing to many international humanitarian initiatives that aid and support the capabilities of millions of people from target groups in many countries, in weak or marginalised regions, and in hot zones, in addition to victims of natural disasters, armed conflict, violence, wars, hunger, poverty, disease and destitution. 

"Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has rightly described Sheikh Zayed as an exceptional Arab leader who realised aspirations of the UAE and led its progress in all fields," The Gulf Today said in its editorial on Saturday. 

Dr. Maytha Bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, recently highlighted at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul that the UAE will increase its humanitarian contributions to 15 per cent of its projected budget for the next four years. 

She also mentioned that by 2020, the nation would double its contributions to humanitarian actions. 

The paper added that the UAE has drawn repeated applause from the international community for initiating efforts to build effective regional and global partnerships to counter various humanitarian challenges facing humanity. 

"Zayed Humanitarian Day undoubtedly epitomises the values of giving and love instilled by the great leader," it added. 

This day is considered a milestone in the history of the UAE as one recalls a range of achievements by the state in the field of humanitarian work. "Sheikh Zayed will forever be remembered for his humanitarian and charitable deeds," the paper said. 

Nothing sums up the UAE's culture of giving better than the words of UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum who earlier said, ‘'Sheikh Zayed is the source of generosity and its origin, and he is the one who has instilled love of giving in the hearts of his people. We must remember him on this day for his humanity and generosity for all people, which made the UAE a global humanitarian platform for giving." 

Source: AFP