H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah, praised the declaration of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan that 2018 will be the 'Year of Zayed'.

The Year of Zayed was declared to celebrate the achievements of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and commemorate his memory, as he established the union and created a modern and civilised country, which has attained a prominent international position and reputation.

"The national initiative launched by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed is an opportunity to confirm our commitment to the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and express our loyalty to his legacy, as the inspiring leader who led his people to fulfill their dreams and overcome all obstacles to create the life that we enjoy today, after he established the union," said H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr.

His Highness added that 2018 will represent a remarkable landmark in the history of the country, where the UAE will present to the world the experience of Sheikh Zayed, who built the nation, invested in its human resources, promoted the values of giving and helped victims and vulnerable people globally, without discrimination.

Sheikh Saud stressed that Sheikh Zayed had placed science and education on the top of his priorities, as he believed that enlightened minds and educated hands could lead the journey of comprehensive development in the UAE. Sheikh Zayed’s memory is considered the foundation of life for the people of the UAE, he added.

His Highness, the Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah, affirmed the commitment of local citizens to the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed while highlighting their sacrifice for the sake of the nation.