Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, has said that the initiative of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan announcing 2018 as the 'Year of Zayed', will immortalise a journey that is full of giving and accomplishments. This legacy led by the late founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is a message of pride and honour for every Emirati citizen about the UAE’s current international stature, which began its first steps with the establishment of the Union.

She said that the Year of Zayed initiative would strengthen the memory of Sheikh Zayed that is engrained in the minds of the UAE people, who have adopted his philosophy out of their love for giving, serving humanity, achieving happiness, providing hope and helping all those in need.

"The philosophy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan and his wisdom and values have transcended the geographical limits of the UAE to reach the entire world. Today, and through this initiative, the UAE, in light of its wise leadership, has affirmed its determination to walk in the footsteps of Sheikh Zayed, as well as the determination of its people to continue his journey enabling their country to lead in all fields, with humanitarian work at the forefront, where the founding father left his mark as recognised by the global community," she continued.

Al Kaabi said that Sheikh Zayed managed, through his vision and foresight, to establish a modern country that is built on a unique relationship where its leaders and citizens can unite to achieve a unified goal of building the nation.

This united ambition has in a short period, enabled the country to establish its international stature, and be recognised as a model for its development and prosperity, the minister added.

"Today, through this initiative, we should all be inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s lasting legacy of values as a motivation to continue working to build a bright future for the UAE," she concluded.