A.Rich Childhood

     During the reign of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed, God bestowed upon the tribe a new baby, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan. The date of birth is, most probably, 1918. Sheikh Zayed was the youngest son of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed, who succeeded to the throne after his brother Sheikh Hamdan in 1922, and remained in power until 1926, at which time Sheikh Zayed was just a child. His mother, Sheikha Salama Bint Butti took him into her care and nurtured him with love, gentleness and abundant attention.Of this stage of his life, Sheikh Zayed says:

     "During my childhood, I used to bring the children together to play a game we called Al-Hoal, another game "Ball", in which we hit with a bat, and other popular games. We also used to sit together to eat".

     From childhood, Sheikh Zayed was fond of reading the Holy Koran, inquiring about the meanings of its verses, meditating on and applying such meanings to his words and deeds.

     Claude Morris tells us, "Sheikh Zayed received his education from the Holy Koran. At that time, teachers were using the camel's shoulder bone as a plate. Once polished, one can write on it using ink, then erase the writing. Yet, times had changed and Zayed obtained pens and papers during his student days and used the olive oil lamp at night for lighting; he learned the language of the Holy Koran and the fundamentals of religion between the age of seven and nine years."

    Hunting was his favorite pastime. At the age of eight, His Highness went on spectacular hunting or snipe-shooting safaris with his falcon, looking for bustards, and learned to find these birds following their tracks.

     He learned to use the rifle skillfully at an early age. Later, according to Sheikh Abdulla Ghanem, who was his instructor at that time, "The boy used to climb Jebel Hafeet Mountain on the Abu Dhabi-Oman border to hunt deer with the most surprising persistence. He was the most courageous boy I ever knew. He did not bother about the weather; whether intolerable heat nor extreme cold".

     As for H.H. Sheikh Zayed, he speaks about this phase of his life saying, زI loved horse riding and hunting. This was the hobby I was obsessed with".

     His Highness used to ride horses with a white headdress, a cartridge holder and a belt on his waist and a rifle on his shoulder. At twelve, he was already hunting with a rifle. His Highness remembers that the rifle was too heavy for him to carry because he was too young. He loved hunting and learned, at the age of sixteen, the art of falconry. At the age of twenty-five he abandoned the use of the rifle and preferred hunting using falcons because it is a collective physical and psychological sport.

     His Highness's interests, in his youth, included knowledge of the events and history of the region, as well as of the entire Arabian Peninsula. His most enjoyable times were when he used to sit with old people and listen to their tales about the history of his predecessors and forefathers.He was very fond of camels and used to own "Gazalah", the most famous camel in Oman, and perhaps the most beautiful camel in all the Arabian peninsula. WilfredThesiger said that some Bedouins had told him: "Any Bedouin was ready to sacrifice anything to be able to say that he had ridden Gazalah."

     The Arabs of the desert held a great and evident love for Sheikh Zayed due to his remarkable personal record of commendable deeds and attitudes, and to his impartial judgments. He was also loved for the simple life he led, his modest and joyful personality, and his integrity and generosity, though his means were limited.Zayed's majlis at Al Ain town never lacked frequent guests and visitors - Bedouins from the Emirates, Saudi Arabia or Oman.

     From the depth of the desert Zayed emerged: with a tanned radiant face, a heart concerned with humanity, and a sharp and creative intellect encompassing all aspects of life. He surpassed his peers in wisdom, demeanor, justice, civility and creativity.

    Years of deprivation had only increased his pride, chivalry and dignity, and he looked upon life with unlimited optimism and love for his fellow man, as well as a deep yearning for achievement.

     His personality is the blending of these values. Since his youth, he has held great aspirations for the future of his country; his concern for his people and homeland was deeply woven into his upbringing, his thoughts, and actions.

     His Highness was born in Al Hosn Palace and he was the fourth son. His father, Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed, who ruled the Emirate of Abu Dhabi from 1922 to 1926, was the fourteenth ruler of the Al Nahyan dynasty.

     The son followed in his fatherصs footsteps with respect to many values and qualities, as the late Sheikh Sultan was known for his courage, wisdom and his ability to ensure peace and order, as well as for his love of literature and poetry. He also had a strong interest in agriculture, irrigation and construction.

     His Highness was brought up in the heart of the desert in a harsh and demanding environment. The most salient memory is the time when he was learning the true and rich Arabic traditions, becoming aware of reality in its fullness, and absorbing the issues discussed in his father's majlis - moral lessons and life experiences, as well as aspects of religious studies, science, knowledge and the affairs of the Emirate.

     He memorized verses of the Holy Koran and applied them to his conduct and in addressing problems. He applied the Holy Koran's teachings in dealing with others on the grounds that the Holy Book is the word of God Almighty and, as such, it covers all aspects of religion and life together, thus man may derive from it all the guidance he needs in life.

Zayed, Ruler of Al Ain

     When His Highness moved from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain, his goals started to take shape and his inclination towards genuine Arab traditions, such as falconry, horse riding, camel riding, marksmanship, and other hobbies and interests became evident. These he practiced and encouraged others to do the same.

     The dawn of his youth was full of vitality and energy, of joy and happiness, spent among spectacular nature, the charming hills and mountains, the deep serenity and the expansiveness of his surroundings.

      His Highness loved the desert with its sands, tranquility, breezes and sky, and this love sprang from his true Arab spirit and his deep patriotism.

     He was fond of meditation and wandering. He would climb Jebel Hafeet, daringly hunt deer, unconcerned with hot or cold weather, with no hesitation or fear. And why not? Had he not mastered all the arts of hunting, movement and the element of surprise.

     He mostly enjoyed sitting to listen to a writer, a learned man or someone who knew Arab lore, history and tales.

     All this heralded the formation of a personality rich in principles, attitudes, qualities, and traits, as well as unprecedented deeds. Thus, when His Highness assumed his duties as Ruler of Al Ain in 1946, he was fully aware of the magnitude of the task, and proceeded with full determination to introduce major projects much to the satisfaction of the people, and the fulfillment of their aspirations.

     He did not base his planning on fantasies, but on the facts at hand. Evaluating material, economic and social needs, he directed change, improvement, development and reform. He also focused his efforts towards developing agriculture, as well as searching for water and digging irrigation canals.

     He did not only issue instructions and walk away. He would oversee the implementation of such orders, and sometimes, His Highness would actually participate in the process. He would go down with the workers into the ditch to encourage them, and to guide, direct and praise.

     The people of Al Ain saw the strength, authority and prudence of His Highness. These are his natural qualities. During his reign in Al Ain he developed the profile of a national leader, and a "tribe's sheikh' qualified to assume the required leadership responsibilities.

     His Highness proved to be the man of development, construction and reform, and the leader of growth and prosperity as well as the just and impartial leader - a man of serene conduct, piercing insight and strong personality, despite the harshness of life and the scarcity of resources.All of the above made the people stand by this leader known for his kindness and modesty. The glare of fame did not change him but rather increased his adherence to genuine Arab morals, which has given him more strength and made his people trust him even further.

Zayed, Ruler of Abu Dhabi

     August 6, 1966, was an exceptional and brilliant day. It is a page of bright light in the history of the Emirates, as on this day, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, acceded to the throne of Abu Dhabi Emirate.

     Since the very first moments of his reign he took an irrevocable decision: the decision of the comprehensive renaissance, the growth of a nation, the development of the human being, the propagation of awareness, science and knowledge and the provision of a decent life for his people.

     He is the leader who said in a loud and clear voice, drawing up the strategy of the days to come for the Emirates community: "Money is useless if not employed for the benefit of the people."

     This motto was translated into action and tangible goals, and no day would pass by without Abu Dhabi taking a new step towards advancement and construction, and every sunrise would witness the entrenching of fundamentals, rules and regulations of the modern State.

     Projects were executed one after the other. Hundreds, rather thousands, of modern houses erected all over the land in Abu Dhabi, streets paved, schools built, modern hospitals and clinics providing medical care, and so forth.

     Abu Dhabi has been converted entirely into a real busy workshop, surprising and astounding observers. In only a few years, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi had been totally changed into a shining star in the Gulf Region. Continuous skyrocketing development would not have happened had it not been for His Highness's wise leadership, his ingenuity and his exceptional vision, propelling the nation into the realms of possibility. There is abundance and extreme generosity; there is sharing and loyalty; and there is devotion and determination.

     A unique man such as this one is worthy of respect and appreciation, and has earned all the accolades accorded to him. In fact, the expectations of the Al Nahyan family and all those who witnessed his achievements, have been fully met. He has held the trust and kept his promises on all his plans and projects for the future.

     On the sixth day of August - a memorable day in the Gulf Region - His Highness expressed his inner feelings to his fellow countrymen in the Emirates, showed his love to this land and declared his acceptance to assume the historical responsibility towards his people in the Emirates. Naturally, it was a historic moment when he signed the Federation's document, heralding the rise of a new State known as the United Arab Emirates.

     At those moments, His Highness was deeply touched and his face revealed a flood of hope and faith in his beliefs and in what he was about to undertake. This is the fruit that is ripe now, and this is the harvest, which has become a reality before the eyes of the people of the Emirates, the Gulf, the Arab World and all other countries of the world.

The United Arab Emirates:

     The progress of this federal State, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Zayed "the Benevolent', started on the second day of December 1971. His Highness began to draw up the State's external and internal policy with utmost precision, devotion and faith in God Almighty, who shows the right path to those who deserve it.

     The internal structuring was difficult, but he did not despair or waver. On the contrary, he has always repeated: "All of you are chiefs and each of you is responsible for his own subjects."

     His Highness was concerned to establish the welfare of his people, and to remove all obstacles in their way. He would meet his countrymen in villages and cities, listen to them, and strive to meet their wishes and requirements. He would pursue all matters concerning to their well being, in all spheres of life.

     Zayed's march continues with all its generosity and abundance, and has become the talk of everyone, near and far. He is a man who has devoted his life and everything he owns to his people, homeland and nation. He carries the trust of a people and a nation. He performs his mission faultlessly. He weaves the threads of a bright existence for Arabs and Muslims, and, in implementing the right decisions, fears no one.

     How did Sheikh Zayed plan? What are the principles he adopted in ruling? What did he rely on? What approach did he use to implement his strategic vision for his people, his homeland and the outside world?

     When we pause on the details, we realize the greatness of this man, whose noble qualities, outstanding achievements and generosity in all spheres of life lie beyond the reach of thousands and thousands of volumes.

     Owing to what he has achieved, the UAE has become, in the eyes of the whole world, a center of rapid human resource development, and a symbol of civilization, progress, stability and true democracy.

     The beginning was the Federation's Declaration:"In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful and with His assistance, and in response to the wish of our Arab people, we, the Rulers of the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, have decided to establish a Federal State under the name of the "United Arab Emirates", and as we herald this good news to the noble Arab people, we beseech God the Almighty to cause this Federation to be the nucleus of an overall Federation that would include the rest of Emirates that have not been able, owing to their current circumstances, to sign this Constitutionس. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was elected President of the State and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Vice President. The objectives of the Federation were summarized as follows:

1) Maintain the Federation's independence, sovereignty and security

2) Defend the Emirates against all enemies

3) Protect the rights and freedom of Emirates people

4) Respect the internal affairs of each EmirateHence, The United Arab Emirates adopted one Constitution with one army, one policy, and consolidated development plans and institutions:

1) The Federal Supreme Council

2) The Federal Cabinet

3) The Federal National Council

4) Federal Ministries

5) Federal Judiciary

     As this book focuses on the personality of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE President, Sheikh Zayed's first achievement upon gaining the trust of all, was to build a modern state.

     He always knew that the task would be difficult and complex, but his faith in God, in his people and in his willpower proved to be far stronger than any obstacle. His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid, the Vice President, Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai, says: "The Federation shall only have one President, Zayed, and despite the immense responsibility assumed by His Highness, the UAE President, we declare that he is the only man able to carry this burden and to hold high the banner of the Federation."

     His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, says: "History will record, in shining letters, the role of His Highness Sheikh Zayed in building up the Federation, in starting its road towards progress, and in placing it in its rightful position amongst the nations of the world".

     In this regard, His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmed Al-Mau'la, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, says:زAny person who would study Zayed's movements over the years of his rule, will find that his reign of benevolence has proceeded from one achievement to another, and from one success to another, and in each year we see new accomplishments and a new prosperity, until the State has become a prominent example of a continuum of development and of renaissance based on a scientific approach. It has become a model of successive achievements in a record time. While in the field of external affairs, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan laid down the principles of the State's policy regionally, amongst the Arab world and world-wide."

     His Highness's faith in the Federation and in having the people of the Emirates overcome every obstacle standing in the way of the Federation, as we have already stated, has given the strongest impetus to the mighty launch and the great achievements. His Highness says in this regard: "Division is not part of the nature of our people, and we do not express this fact out of emotions, but out of objective considerations of the matters at hand, because the borders did not represent anything to our people, who used to move from one part of our homeland to another without asking to whom that part belonged. The land was their land, and this was confirmed by the fact that the people of this land belong to one main origin, and to the overall frame of unity that covers religion, Arabism and common history."

     His Highness says:"The present life of our sons is the victory over past suffering and harshness. It is only because of the will of God, and the patience of the fathers and forefathers in the face of the vicissitudes of time and the harsh conditions of living, that the next generations have not been robbed of the chance to live on this land and bask in its abundance."

     The above statement depicts the fundamentals of His Highness Sheikh Zayed, that is, his faith in God and in the true value of Islam, as well as his belief in unity, the homeland, and high human ideals and morals. These elements have enabled him to solve the difficult equation that necessitates the combination of traditional values with the imperatives of progress. His Highness is endowed with a creative and rich vision coupled with an integrated intellectual approach, resulting in an all-encompassing perspective and a desire for development and progress. He has translated all these values into deliberate, thoughtful and carefully planned strategy and action.

     We, therefore, could say both that he is a part of history and that he has written history. He emerged from sagacity and maintained this discernment in all he has done as is clearly evident in his statements, directives, instructions, actions and magnanimity.

     We shall try to give proof of his qualities through the evidence of his words and deeds.