The Ministry of Energy organised a retreat today for its employees, with the aim of brainstorming new initiatives and programmes that represent the humanitarian legacy and leadership of the late Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as part of its operational strategy for 2018, under the goals and plans of the "Year of Zayed."

The Ministry of Energy’s retreat coincided with the announcement of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declaring 2018 as the Year of Zayed, to prepare for the national occasion that will celebrate the life of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the 100th anniversary of his birth, and will highlight his role in establishing and building the UAE, as well as his local and international accomplishments.

Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, stated that the Year of Zayed will be a national occasion to remember the achievements that were accomplished by the unique vision of the founding father, whose flag was carried onwards by his successors, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their brothers, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members the Rulers of the UAE.

He explained that the UAE’s development and the overall advancement of its living standards are due to Sheikh Zayed’s giving, as he established the nation’s foundations and direction, and its current leaders and people have continued to walk in his footsteps. He also stressed that this initiative is a celebration and appreciation of the role of the founding father, who placed the cornerstones of the nation’s social and urban development.

Al Mazrouei further stressed that Sheikh Zayed spent all his efforts in creating the Emirati people, who are proud of their civilised heritage, open to the entire world and familiar with the cultures of others, making the UAE’s sons and daughters among leading examples in their fields.

He added that during the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE will celebrate its people and its first ruler and founding father, a leader who had engraved his name in the hearts of millions of people around the world, with a humanitarianism that is rarely matched, and a wisdom that aided his journey, and ideas and values that he planted and nourished, which became a fortress for everyone living on the UAE’s blessed land.