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The Founder's Office was established to commemorate the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates.

About The Founder’s Office

To commemorate the centennial anniversary of Sheikh Zayed’s birth in 1918, His Highness the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, officially declared 2018 as the “Year of Zayed.”

The Year of Zayed was a nationwide and international initiative designed to honour the vision and leadership of the UAE’s founder.

To that end, the office’s first task was to oversee, coordinate, and execute the strategic planning and public relations of the Year of Zayed initiative.


To commemorate the centennial anniversary of Sheikh Zayed’s birth in 1918, His Highness the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, officially declared 2018 as the “Year of Zayed.”

Year of Zayed

Our Initiatives

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Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of The Founder’s Office (TFO), and His Excellency Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Midfa, Board Chairman of the National Library and Archives (NLA), have signed a collaboration agreement between TFO and the NLA at TFO’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement will allow TFO to leverage a central digital platform that will serve as a trusted historical reference and archive for images, texts, audio, and video content associated with the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It will also give TFO access to a wealth of material and content that highlights the legacy of the Founding Father, which will further support the efforts and initiatives launched and sponsored by TFO as part of its mission to immortalise the legacy of the Founding Father.

This agreement reflects the commitment of both TFO and the NLA to embrace the best digital solutions to preserve and document the national history associated with Founding Father Sheikh Zayed, as it opens new doors for collaboration between the two entities when it comes to initiatives and projects that celebrate this legacy.

Commenting on the signature of the agreement, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan said: “The Founder’s Office continues to preserve and instill the legacy of Sheikh Zayed in the UAE and across the world through initiatives and projects that celebrate this great history. The mission of TFO is to develop, support and enable initiatives that preserve the Founder Sheikh Zayed’s philosophy and his eternal legacy. Therefore, this agreement embodies the strong commitment shown by TFO and the NLA to invest all their resources and capabilities to support national and joint efforts and initiatives.

“This agreement is an excellent example of cooperation between government entities, as it contributes to the preservation of the Founder’s legacy across all types of material. It further provides TFO with an opportunity to use this material across its projects and initiatives, while also emphasising the central role the NLA plays in documenting the life of Sheikh Zayed and instilling it in our national memory.”

His Excellency Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Midfa, NLA Board Chairman, said: “This agreement embodies a clear vision for the future, that recognises the important role of both TFO and the NLA. Both entities are committed to preserving the legacy of the late Founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and to keeping his story alive, especially that this story is a source of inspiration for the UAE, the Arab region and the world.”

His Excellency Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Midfa then emphasised that the agreement would multiply efforts to preserve the story of the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed and share it with new generations, so that it can guide them towards a future where the UAE plays a leading role.

His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the NLA, said: ”The objectives of the NLA align with the objectives of TFO in this agreement. While TFO dedicates its efforts to perpetuating the legacy of the Founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the NLA works on preserving his historical documents as well as publications that narrate his story and the modern history of the UAE, of which we are very proud.

TFO, in the Presidential Court, seeks to promote a collective responsibility with government and private entities, and individuals in line with its strategy to intensify efforts and implement initiatives and projects that immortalise and preserve the legacy of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, in addition to spreading awareness about and celebrating his life, humanitarian work, and achievements.

Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of The Founder’s Office (TFO), and His Excellency Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Midfa, Board Chairman of the National Library and Archives (NLA), have signed a collaboration agreement between TFO and the NLA at TFO’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

The Founder’s Office, National Library and Archives sign collaboration agreement

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The Founder's Office

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This article was prepared on the occasion of the United Arab Emirates hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28):

"We pay particular attention to our environment because it is an organic part of our country, our history, and our heritage. Whether inland, onshore, or at sea, our forefathers lived in this environment and adapted to it. With their instinct and fine sensibility, they understood the need to conserve it, to take from it only what they needed, and to preserve it for the coming generations so that they, too, would find in it a source of bounty and a well of goodness." The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 


The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), left an indelible mark on history as a unique and inspiring leader. This uniqueness was apparent from a young age as Sheikh Zayed grew up in Al Ain Region in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, an area known for its harsh desert climate and scarcity of resources. It was in Al Ain that he developed his love of plants and animals, and his relationship with nature. These childhood experiences informed his vision and governance, as he prioritized the environment. His efforts to preserve the environment and biodiversity started well before these two concepts became widespread and at the centre of global environmental action. The efforts of Sheikh Zayed were well known globally, and his name was synonymous with leaders working towards environmental conservation and sustainability.  


Sheikh Zayed was appointed the Ruler's Representative in the Al Ain Region between 1946 and 1966, then became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1966 to 2004, leading the founding of the UAE alongside the rulers of the other emirates and becoming President of the UAE from 1971 until 2004. He was well aware of the importance of conserving the environment and natural resources. He launched a series of sustainable development projects that continue to support climate action today. During his presidency, the UAE launched several local and international environmental programs and initiatives and joined several international treaties and agreements to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development. It also supported regional and global institutions working on climate issues. 

Based on his ambitious vision, Sheikh Zayed launched a widescale forestation program to plant mangroves on the coastline, and in the 1970s, he launched several forest protection and forestation projects across the country as well as projects to create natural reserves, build dams, and protect groundwater resources. These initiatives greatly contributed to restoring environmental balance, protecting wildlife, increasing biodiversity, and conserving natural habitats. The protection of fauna was also a priority for Sheikh Zayed, who encouraged and supported global research into the protection of various rare and endangered species across the world, such as the Arabian oryx, the Arabian leopard, the dugong, and the green sea turtle. He further supported programs leveraging the latest technologies to increase the population of wild birds, such as falcons and the houbara bustard. Furthermore, Sheikh Zayed was one of the biggest supporters of leveraging the power of innovation and research in environmental work. He encouraged global partnerships to conduct studies and find solutions to the challenges caused by climate change. These efforts led to the establishment of the first project in the region to produce vegetables in greenhouses built using the latest technologies on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the University of Arizona, USA, in 1967. 

Sheikh Zayed’s efforts and achievements in the environmental field gained global attention, and he received numerous awards and medals in recognition of his environmental work, including: 

- Gold Medal from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1995 for his efforts in agricultural development inside and outside the UAE. 
- The Gold Panda Award from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 1997 for his efforts in environmental and wildlife conservation in the UAE and beyond.  
- Named the most Prominent World Figure in 1998 by the French Man of the Year committee in recognition of his efforts in environmental protection and development projects. 
- Champions of the Earth award in 2005.

Sheikh Zayed has always sought to make the UAE a leader in urban development, but he was also careful to protect the environment and guarantee the sustainability of natural resources at the same time. His legacy is a testament to his achievements in environmental work in the UAE and worldwide. 

Building upon the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE continues to play a global role in environmental work through the efforts of its wise leadership to promote sustainability and environmental conservation and mitigate the effects of climate change. This is evident today as the UAE prepares to host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28). 

[<u>Supporting images</u>](https://corpstorageprod.blob.core.windows.net/strapi/assets/The_Environmental_Legacy_of_Sheikh_Zayed_e080361354.zip)


The Environmental Legacy of Sheikh Zayed 

Ahead of the launch of the ‘Year of Zayed’ and under the directives of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Higher National Committee for Year of Zayed today launched the official logo for the highly-anticipated initiative in the presence of Sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries and VIPs.

Earlier this year on 6th August, the anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s Accession Day, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa declared 2018 the ‘Year of Zayed’, a nation-wide initiative, which will highlight the UAE founding father’s unparalleled role in establishing the UAE Federation, his local, regional and international achievements as well as his values and principles.

Shedding light on the many facets of Sheikh Zayed’s dynamic persona as a visionary leader, distinguished humanitarian and beacon for future generations, the ‘Year of Zayed’ logo features a powerful silhouette of Sheikh Zayed’s profile in a monochromatic colour scheme. Honouring Sheikh Zayed’s legacy as the founder of the UAE and celebrating his vision, which continues to guide and inspire a path of progress and prosperity for the modern nation, the emblem will be used for all official communications pertaining to the initiative.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

'Year of Zayed' logo officially unveiled

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has declared 2018 the "Year of Zayed" in the United Arab Emirates.
 
The year 2018 marks 100 years since the birth of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and today’s announcement is being held on the anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed's Accession Day - the day he assumed leadership in Abu Dhabi on 6th August 1966, marking the start of a new epoch in the history of United Arab Emirates.
 
The ‘Year of Zayed’ will highlight the role of the late leader in establishing the UAE Federation, and his local, regional and international achievements.
 
The ‘Year of Zayed’ will seek to achieve several objectives, including being a time to highlight the role of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in establishing the UAE and consolidating its foundations of modern development, with an emphasis on the nation's local, regional and global achievements, and continue to form the basis of this country’s progress.
 
The Year of Zayed will seek to share Sheikh Zayed's values and principles, as well as one of the greatest world leaders, with an inspirational wisdom, vision and patience.
 
This celebration will strengthen Sheikh Zayed's stature as a symbol of patriotism and love for the nation.
 
The Year will be an opportunity to portray Sheikh Zayed’s legacy in forthcoming projects and initiatives that express his vision and values.
 
President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that setting 2018 as the Year of Zayed reflects the unique standing that the late leader holds with every Emirati as the founding leader of the Union.
 
With his wisdom and goodness, Sheikh Zayed set the foundations of modern development across all sectors in the UAE. His generosity is experienced not only in the UAE and the Gulf region, but also throughout the Arab world and internationally, with contributions and initiatives that continue to reflect his unerring skill as a modern leader, who gained the respect of so many people around world.
 
President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa said, "On this day, August 6th, a new era dawned upon us all when the late Sheikh Zayed assumed command of the Abu Dhabi government, and began the march towards unity, prosperity and societal development."
 
President Sheikh Khalifa pointed out that the late Sheikh Zayed was able to lay down solid foundations for a strong, united nation that balanced the requirements for modernity while preserving the cultural and social heritage of the UAE. This effective model has been a source of inspiration for countries seeking progress.
 
President Sheikh Khalifa said, "The Year of Zayed is a great national occasion when we will proudly share memories of the life of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his gift to us of deeply-rooted values, principles and traditions that have become part of our Emirati identity."
 
He added that this is especially true since the Union that Sheikh Zayed established with his brothers, the Rulers of the UAE, was based on unity and solidarity to build a progressive society that benefits everyone, and in which people live in security and stability.
 
The President called upon all the nation's people to uphold the noble values instilled in them by the late Sheikh Zayed, including those of wisdom, respect, determination, loyalty, a sense of belonging to the nation, and a willingness to make sacrifices at whatever cost.
 
President Khalifa continued to say, the recognition of these values and our fulfillment of them will encourage the unity of our nation and strengthen our resilience in facing risks and challenges.
 
His Highness also called for making 2018 a year of achievements, initiatives, events and programmes that reflect the great historical personality of the late Sheikh Zayed, highlighting his pioneering role, his vision and his sound leadership.
 
President Khalifa said that as we celebrate the Year of Zayed, we shall reaffirm our commitment to continue his legacy and work, guided by his wisdom and vision.
 
The 'School of Zayed', he said, is a source of inspiration for every step that the UAE takes; a solid foundation for the consolidation of the federal structure of our young nation; and a stepping stone for its future, full of strength and respect, leading up to the creation of one of the finest countries in the world.
 
He went on to say that Sheikh Zayed's real wealth was not in materialism, but in his investment in the men and women who build the future of their nation. Therefore, we are a nation determined to follow in his footsteps, empowering Emirati people in all fields to contribute to their country's comprehensive and sustainable development.
 
His Highness the President stressed that the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed will remain alive not only in the hearts of the UAE people and Arab and Muslim nations, but throughout the world.
 
This, the President said, is because the generosity of the late Sheikh Zayed whose initiatives and campaigns helped those in need around the world. Thus, declaring 2017 as the ‘Year of Giving’ was an extension of his limitless giving.
 
The President added, "The Year of Zayed will be a year in which the nation preserves the legacy of Zayed, and our people will live the values of Zayed, and work together to fulfil the vision of Zayed."

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

Celebrating the legacy of the Founder

About The Founder’s Office

Year of Zayed