ZAYED THE BENEVOLENT

     In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful: "That He may recompense those who believe and do righteous good deeds. Those theirs is forgiveness and generous provision."

     Thousands pages would not suffice to enumerate the charitable and philanthropic deeds of H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. If we are going to focus on certain deeds, the reason will be to complement the image of this great man upon whom God has bestowed all the good humanitarian qualities. If we have already mentioned in this book some of the examples of his charitable deeds, what we will mention now aims at giving a more comprehensive portrait. Al Ittihad daily newspaper covered His Highness's establishment of the Zayed Charity and Humanitarian Establishment by writing under the title: "Zayed and His Charitable Deeds": "It is not the first time that H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan builds and completes such an edifice with the aim of assisting the Arab nation and supporting its scientists and their endeavors and research, offering aid to the needy and extending charitable acts to those in need of them, and supporting via this establishment those acts whose returns augment public good and serve the Arab and Muslim worlds."

     Out of his belief in the role of the United Nations and his concern with reinforcing its position in the reformation of the international economy, H.H. Sheikh Zayed declared on May 12, 1990 that: "The United Arab Emirates has offered three billion U.S. Dollars with lenient conditions to more than forty States in Africa and Asia although it was in the middle of the construction stage of the State." He confirmed the UAE's intention to continue this process by saying: "We do believe that our friends and brothers should also enjoy this wealth bestowed on us by God."

     God Almighty has created Zayed, the Benevolent, not just to lead the construction and development process of the UAE; but also to steer the ship of welfare for the entire Arab and Islamic World, if not the whole world sometimes. The stimuli of this generosity are the development, change, modernization, construction, protection of the heritage, elimination of poverty and protection of human beings from deprivation and from those who would prey on them.

     In his book: "Zayed the Bountiful and the March of Generosity", Khalid Bin Mohamed Al Qassimi says: "The United Arab Emirates offers aids and loans to those who need them; it has established many development projects in several Arab and Islamic States out of its belief in co-operation and sharing."

GOLDEN DEED TO THE PRESIDENT

     This Geneva-based International Foreigners Organization has awarded Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan the Golden Deed of the Organization in appreciation for his humanitarian actions and efforts, and his care for the foreign communities in the UAE. The Award was presented by Dr. Hanudy, head of the delegation of International Foreigner's Organization, who said on this occasion: "This year H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan acquired full appreciation by the Organization as the most important personality of the year 1985, because of his assistance to the expatriates inside and outside the UAE in all humanitarian, cultural and financial fields whether directly or indirectly."

ARGENTINA UNIVERSITY GRANTS H.H. SHEIKH ZAYED PRESIDENT OF THE STATE, THE HONORARY Ph.D. DEGREE

     Concepcion University in Argentina granted Sheikh Zayed an honorary Ph.D. Degree, in November 1981.Professor Silador Leuta gave a speech on this occasion, saying: "The honorary Ph.D. Degree is granted in appreciation of your efforts and determination to support and strengthen the foundation of the Federation, and in order to express the true will of your Highness in realizing the social and economic renaissance in the UAE and in providing people with a dignified life."

     When the conflict erupted in Lebanon, His Highness in all his speeches expressed his deep concern. This was emphasized by his strong call for helping and supporting Lebanon in its need; the beginning was supporting the international fund allocated for the construction of Lebanon whereas the end took the shape of any good act to restore to Lebanon its bright image.

     His Highness has always been determined to enhance the Abu Dhabi Economic Development Fund to help developing countries, and to enhance the standard of living and achieve the processes of economic and social development in those countries.

     One of his magnificent deeds was the reconstruction of Ma'rib Dam in 1984 in Yemen. This undertaking was a deep expression of his strong belief in doing charitable deeds for the sake of Arab unity.

     These distinct endeavors in the field of renaissance in our contemporary Arab history reflect a depth of vision on the part Sheikh Zayed which is manifest in distinct acts and in a remarkable attitude towards the heritage of the Arab nation. In so doing he has revived the heritage of forefathers and linked it to the present and to modern civilization. This dam transforms one of the symbols of the Arab nation into tangible reality and, at the same time, embodies his love for heritage and his attitude towards it. The dam in fact represents an epitome of ancient Arab civilization. Zayed the builder of this dam said: "I pray to God to make of this historical dam a blessing for the Yemeni people. The collapse of this dam deprived the Yemeni people of happiness for many centuries. We thank God that such happiness is back again to this brotherly nation and to this dear land."

     His Highness never thought of just restoring it but ordered it to be rebuilt straight away in its same geographical location; by doing so he managed to grasp the core of a substantive moment in the modern history of Arabs: "Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan has learned from life and the vicissitudes of time the meaning of wisdom, fear of God, and the meaning of Islam as a unique religion. He also learned the Quranic statement that Arabs are the best nation created by God and so he was motivated to do the exceptional and proceeded with building Ma'rib dam in 1984."

     What he did was by God's will and at his own expense. He is second to none among Arab and Islamic leaders of this age, a wise and honest man, with clear vision and thoughts. He is an Arab leader whose course of action is straightforward and whose ideas know no uncertainty or hesitation. He is friendly, honest and adheres to real Arab ideals and real Muslim principles. He appreciates maturity, power, and strong determination. He follows the path of the great Muslim leaders. Wisdom and generosity are two of his innate qualities; he is a river of giving that never dries up. He never bargains with dignity, land or homeland. His Highness says: "Arab dignity is the dearest; Arab blood is the noblest. Money and wealth are no match to them."

    It is as if His Highness, who spent so much of his youth on Hafeet Mountain, was thinking, mediating, hunting, and reading the HolyQuran. It is as if this young man was impressed by the lofty mountain and its height and loved to be as big as this mountain in his words, actions and qualities. Colonel Bostaid, the British Political Envoy, wrote: "I was surprised at seeing him surrounded by all these people at Al Buraimy commanding the kind of respect and care which are normally due to saints only. He was so pleasant with all and very open-handed. I was so surprised with what he had done in his town Al Ain, and in the area, for the benefit of all people."

     The virtues of this leader prove his wisdom and magnificent values, which he has derived from the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed. He has satisfied God and because of this all people love and appreciate him.

     One of his magnanimous deeds is his personal support, and that of his government, for the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian Intifada in the occupied land in order to protect the Holy City of Jerusalem, its heritage and Arab identity. He ordered the allocation of one million US dollars for the victims of the Israeli aggression in southern Lebanon in 1982. He also financed the construction of Zayed City in Isma'iliya, which came into being as an symbol that would stand the test of time to tell the story of a great man to coming generations. This is a man who generously and silently supported his nation without limits and with a strong belief in solidarity and co-operation.

     Zayed's charitable acts are endless and memorable. One of his latest charitable gestures was the allocation of twenty thousand dirhams as a reward for the students who obtain excellent grades in UAE University and the Colleges of Higher Technology, in addition to a golden bar valued at five thousand dirhams, delivered by H.H. Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with the graduation certificate for their great efforts as an encouragement for the rest of the students to exert greater effort."

ZAYED'S HOUSING PROGRAM

     The implementation of Zayed's Housing Program began in March 1999; the program allocated an amount of more than 640 million dirhams for the construction of houses for the UAE nationals.

     The program is deemed as the first of comprehensive steps aimed at the establishment of the Real Estate Bank to help to solve one of the biggest problems facing young people. This program reinforces the Federal entity, reactivates the economic and services sectors and contributes to social stability. Thus, His Highness has taken a pioneering step that will be recorded in history with golden letters. By the promulgation of the Act of Social Security and Pensions in 1999, the UAE took a long stride towards greater development, as the Act provides social protection and safety for the coming generations.

     Sheikh Zayed's promulgation of the Act of Social Security and Pensions caused many reactions on the part of all the UAE nationals, working in the Federal Government, corporations, agencies, public and private companies and establishments. They all confirmed that the Act would provide nationals with social stability, and the coming generations with safety and care, and would ensure a dignified life for all.

     This is evidence that His Highness is determined to provide security, safety, reassurance and a prosperous life for the whole society. It also proves that His Highness will not spare any effort in serving the public interest of all citizens who have priority over wealth.

DISTRIBUTION OF LANDS AND HOUSES

     Within the framework of this wise policy, H.H. Sheikh Zayed, President of the United Arab Emirates ordered the distribution of 887 plots of farming and residential land and low cost houses, out of which 403 units are in Abu Dhabi, comprising 99 farming plots, 12 residential plots and 292 low cost houses. In Al Ain city there are 474 units, comprising 262 farming plots, 38 residential plots and 84 low cost houses. With this new generous action the number distributed in1998 and 1999 has reached a total of 4403 units of farming, residential plots and low cost houses, out of which there are 1201 in Abu Dhabi city, as well as 293 farming plots, 58 residential plots and 850 low cost houses. In Al Ain City there are 3202 units comprising 2621 farming plots, 239 residential plots and 352 low cost houses.

     H.H. Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: "By God's will, very soon, more farming, residential plots and low cost houses will be distributed to those citizens entitled to them."

RAISING THE STANDARD OF LIVING H.H.

     Sheikh Zayed has been very keen to establish a comprehensive system of welfare for the UAE citizen. Suffice it to say here that during the years 1986-1997, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs spent 5860 million dollars on social assistance for needy families. The total value of social assistance for 1997 was 660 million dirhams, 25% of this amount was distributed in Abu Dhabi, 23% in Dubai, 21% in Sharjah, 7% in Fujairah, 5% in Ajman and 3% in Umm Al Quwain.

     There was generous assistance to old people amounting to around 43% of the total value of the assistance, in addition to the assistance to widows, divorcees, orphans, prisoners' families and married students.

ZAYED INSTITUTION

     Zayed Humanitarian Institution is one of the humanitarian projects established by H.H. Sheikh Zayed. It indicates the awareness of this exceptional leader and the efforts he exerts for the sake of his citizens. His Highness seems to be without equal in this respect, since this has become part of his daily activities.

     Abdulla Sultan Al Dhahiry, the Director of Zayed Charity Institution, praises H.H. Sheikh Zayed's concern with Islam, the circumstances under which Muslims live throughout the world, and his unlimited support for education and science and those who are in charge of it. Al Dhahiry said: "The most important goals of the Institution include contributing to the correct introduction to the teachings of Islam, its literature and heritage and the different phases of Islamic civilization, as well as to the contribution of Islamic scholars to the development of humanity. Since its establishment, the Institution has been working to translate these goals into reality."

     One of the tasks carried out by Zayed Institution is to print, publish and distribute a number of general Islamic books and to interpret the meanings of the Holy Quran. The Institution gives top priority to the printing of the kuran.

     Mr. Mohamed Habib bin Al Khoujah, Secretary-General of the Islamic Jurisprudence Assembly in Jeddah, has praised this Institution on many occasions, the last of which was the press conference held at the Zayed Institution when he said: "The President of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan's effort to bring Arabs and Muslims together, to raise the banner of Islam, to spread tolerance between religions, to support justice, to help the aggrieved and restore rights, has made him attain a very high status on the international level and that of Islam in particular."

     Bin Al Khoujah confirmed the continuous support of Zayed Charity Institution to various jurisprudence projects; the Institution has offered $250,000 to the Islamic Jurisprudence Assembly in Jeddah to finance the teaching of basic jurisprudence.

     H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced that, H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, out of his desire to discharge his national duties and responsibilities with respect to the safety and security of the Palestinian people with whom we share strong ties, ordered the sending of medical aid on an urgent basis to our Palestinian brothers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip for the medical treatment of those who were wounded or injured during the confrontation with Israeli troops.

     Mr. Omran Tahboub, who is in charge of the Computer Section at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in the UAE, mentions in issue no.1, year 1 of the journal issued by the Ministry, March 1997, the total number of social assistance cases in the State, and the total amount spent on social assistance in 1995: "The United Arab Emirates offers more than 500 million dirhams yearly to certain categories of UAE nationals such as the elderly and women (divorcees, widows, and unwed girls) in addition to orphans, people having physical and health disabilities, married students and prisoners' families. This aid is distributed among 30,000 cases. These cases normally include certain individuals (such as widows or divorcees who have children or medically unfit individuals or elderly persons who support families). The number of beneficiaries has reached a total of more than 75,000 persons throughout the state. (This includes those who require assistance and their families.)

     The annual average amount of such assistance amounts to Dhs. 17,600 per family and to Dhs. 7,000 per person.

     These figures represent the amount spent in 1995, which totaled approximately 530 million dirhams. This amount is expected to increase to a total of 660 million dirhams per year, following the grant given by His Highness the President of the State; the amount of this assistance will increase by 25% and the average share in each case will be 22,000 dirhams per year. Hence, the average share of the individual will be 8750 dirhams per year. One fourth of these cases are in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 23% in Dubai, 21% in Sharjah, followed by 15% in Ras Al Khaimah, 7% in Fujairah, 5% in Ajman and 3% in Umm Al Quwain. The distribution of the assistance is proportionate to these percentages, approximately.

     The elderly represent the highest rate among the categories receiving social assistance (12,294) cases, amounting to 41% of the number of cases; they receive more than 228 million dirhams per year, i.e. 43% of the total amount of assistance. The elderly represent half of the cases in the Emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, whereas they are less in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai as they are estimated at 35% of the total cases in Abu Dhabi. The rate of elderly requiring assistance in other Emirates ranges from 35% to 50%.

     Cases of medical disability represent 9.3% of the number of cases and they receive 12.9% of the total amount of assistance. The rate of assistance offered to elderly persons and those who are medically disabled is higher compared to cases of those who have many dependants.

     Cases relating to women include divorce, widowhood, deserted wives, unmarried girls, and wives of foreign origin and represent a total of 30% of all cases; this category receives 26% of the value of assistance. Divorce, with 14% of the total number of cases, is ranked at the top of the cases relating to women (4282 divorcees). The percentage of divorcees receiving assistance drops in the Emirates of Fujairah and Ras Al Khaima to 9%, whereas it rises to 22% in Abu Dhabi. Windows constitute 11.7%, unmarried girls 2.3%, deserted wives 1.6% and wives of foreign origins 1.4% of the total number of the cases of those women receiving social assistance. (The wife of a non-national receives assistance in the case of husband disability.) Orphans constitute 6% of the total number of cases whereas the families of prisoners constitute 1.1%, and 0.50% are married students.

     One of Sheikh Zayed's historical and noble deeds took place during the Balkan war waged between NATO and Serbia, when he ordered establishing an air bridge between the United Arab Emirates and Kosovo to help the refugees and protect them from disease, hunger, thirst and death, in addition to Zayed's water canal and sub channels which will probably be ready by the year 2002.

     It should be noted that the canal of H.H. Sheikh Zayed in Toshka is 71.5 km long and its sub-canals are 200 km long. It will be completed in 2002, as already mentioned. The total investment in the canal is 4.5 billion Egyptian pounds; the canal is intended to irrigate 540,000 acres of land in southern Egypt in the first phase.

     In a statement to Al Khaleej newspaper, issue of April 14, 1999, Dr. Mahmoud Abu Zaid, Minister of Public Works and Water Resources in the Arab Republic of Egypt, said: "The gigantic lifting station adds investments amounting to 1,480 billion Egyptian pounds to complete the cost of the project which is estimated at 6 billion Egyptian pounds."