The National Library and Archives Celebrates Sheikh Zayed’s Efforts in Founding a Nation of Civilisation and Humanity

The National Library and Archives (NLA) organized a historical photo exhibition, and a lecture titled “Zayed: Founder of a Nation of Civilisation and Humanity”. The two events revealed important historical facts about Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s enduring legacy, highlighting his great efforts in achieving the nation development and prosperity, and highlighted Sheikh Zayed’s achievements, wisdom, goodwill in building the human, and his vision that has preceded his time in sustainability and preservation of national knowledge.
Dr Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the NLA, began her lecture by affirming that everyone who was close to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan drew from his wisdom and benefited from his experience in all aspects of life. This was acknowledged by the senior citizens as they recounted their memories of the period before and after the union’s establishment. She then highlighted important aspects of his honorable life and the significant developments the United Arab Emirates and its people witnessed through his noble efforts. She spoke about his noble lineage and his shared qualities with his grandfather, Zayed the Great. She noted that the remarkable transformation of the UAE into flourishing oases where life thrives, and the numerous vital and developmental projects that contributed to human advancement in various fields. All these heralded the establishment of the Union, which stands as a profound lesson in nation-building.
With documented information, the lecturer confirmed that after Sheikh Zayed assumed leadership in Abu Dhabi, he showed great interest in providing drinking water from Al Khatim and Al Saad to Abu Dhabi, and in constructing roads to facilitate communication among the people of the nation. He was known for personally checking on his people’s well-being and listening attentively to both the elderly and the young.
What further affirms his efforts in serving the environment and combating desertification is the planting of millions of palm trees, which he was committed to spreading and sustaining in Al Ain and across the entire UAE. He also placed great importance on Ghaf trees, preserving historical trees, and expanding green spaces throughout the UAE, defying the opinions of agricultural experts. The greatest example of his success is Sir Baniyas Island, the green sanctuary that demonstrated to the world that Sheikh Zayed was able to conquer the impossible.
The lecture, which was held in Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Hall, presented Zayed’s wise visions in transforming the UAE into a modern civil state, and his significant role in designing the architecture of Abu Dhabi. In this, he carefully balanced the preservation of authentic Emirati traditions with the needs of contemporary society. He also played a pivotal role in creating the UAE’s emblem, flag, national anthem, and currency, and was deeply committed to the happiness and well-being of his people, ensuring they had access to all necessary services from birth. In addition, he was keen to keep pace with the global developments, which required him to work tirelessly around the clock for the advancement of the UAE and its people.
Dr Aisha Bilkhair presented the views of several men who accompanied Sheikh Zayed, such as Sheikh Salem bin Ham Al Amri, Muhanna Butti Al Qubaisi, Abdullah bin Mohamed Masoud Al Muhairbi and Sheikh Mubarak Bin Qaran Al Mansouri, and others.
The lecturer – through photos and documents – highlighted Sheikh Zayed’s efforts in attracting successful and distinctive experiences from the countries he visited and developing them within the UAE, emphasizing that the progress the UAE witnessed during his blessed reign made him an exemplary leader who carried the responsibility with confidence and integrity, earning him the status of a role model for future generations.
The lecturer affirmed that Sheikh Zayed’s wise and insightful vision has greatly contributed to the progress and development that the United Arab Emirates is experiencing under its wise leadership, which continues to follow the path of the founder and builder.
The National Library and Archives organized a historical photo exhibition at its headquarters, showcasing images from its Historical Archive Section, that document the march and remarkable achievements of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The National Library and Archives is pleased to welcome visitors interested in viewing the historical photo exhibition.