H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has stressed that the declaration of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for 2018 to be the "Year of Zayed" highlights the unique position of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE, in the hearts of the nation’s people, as well as other Arab and global citizens.

In aspeech marking the announcement, H.H. Sheikh Hazza called upon the community to promote the successful cultural and social initiatives that represent the values adopted by the late Sheikh Zayed. He also stated that declaring the Year of Zayed after the Year of Giving has an important meaning, as both the value of giving and the life of Sheikh Zayed reflect the rich legacy, the glorious present and the prosperous future of the UAE.

Sheikh Hazza added that the UAE’s journey of giving will continue in the Year of Zayed, stressing that the unique ideology of Sheikh Zayed, based on a model of national unity, will continue to impress the entire world.

He also stressed that the Year of Zayed will be a unique opportunity to continue promoting the values of giving, love and tolerance, which were encouraged by the late Sheikh Zayed, as fundamental principles of national co-existence.

"Sheikh Zayed placed human resources on the top of his development vision, and his life and achievements have taught us that whoever strives for the happiness of his people, does not know the meaning of the impossible," he added.

He further said that the Year of Zayed will witness greater successes for the UAE, as the nation’s loyalty to the late founding leader will inspire the public to preserve and advance his legacy