| Never have I lived in a country where a leader | | | | (particularly of women), sustaining bedouin |
| was so beloved. In interacting with Emirati's on a | | | | heritage, environmental preservation, and |
| daily basis, Father Zayed is always referred to in | | | | promotion of cultural through the arts, sports, etc. |
| an affectionate way, almost like people felt like | | | | He was known as kind and philanthropic man with |
| they knew him, and no one would ever say | | | | a passion for poetry, hunting, falconry, and |
| anything negative about him. Not because they | | | | knowledgable about martial arts, camels and |
| can't or are afraid but because there is little to | | | | horses. Most importantly, he was a very tolerant, |
| criticize. Like all political systems, I'm sure outsiders | | | | well-respected leader that was able to unite the |
| can find something to criticize but after living here | | | | Emirates into one country, which was a huge feat |
| and seeing the positives of UAE society, I'm sure | | | | at the time. |
| critics would become more open-minded. The | | | | Sheikh Zayed is the inspiration for many amazing |
| UAE's growth, modernization, and progress is | | | | projects the government is currently developing |
| perceived as the success of Father Zayed. He is | | | | such as, Masdar, a sustainable green city with an |
| still so popular and his vision so wise, it seems he | | | | institute dedicated to green technologies of the |
| brings significant legitimacy to the current | | | | future. In addition the Saadiyat Cultural District is |
| leadership and governing system in place today. | | | | going to make Abu Dhabi one of the most |
| Sheikh Zayed was a remarkable man and I'm | | | | outstanding cultural centers in the world. UAE |
| surprised that he is not more internationally | | | | leaders are known for their long-term vision and |
| known outside of the Middle East. Father Zayed | | | | I'm sure in decades from now Abu Dhabi will be |
| once said, "The best investment of our wealth is | | | | even greener, more technologically advanced, a |
| in creating cultured and educated citizens. We | | | | thriving cultural center, and greater economic |
| have to be swift and make our progress in | | | | power house than it is now as a result of Sheikh |
| education faster than our progress in any other | | | | Zayed's vision for his country. |
| field." He was a strong supporter of education | | | | |