His Highness Sheikh Zayed was born in Al Ain on May 6, 1918. When he was young he did not go to school but he used to be taught by a traditional teacher. His Highness had many hobbies including Horse riding, Camel riding, Boat racing and Falconry. His father Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922 to 1926. His mother was Sheikha Salama bint Butti.
His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan achieved many awards and achievements. One of his awards was the Order of the Start of Romania. Sheikh Zayed had many achievements like Constructing Housing facilities, Schools, Health Services, Seaports, Roads and Bridges. He had a belief that all the Arabs should cooperate with each other.
Sheikh Zayed empowered women. He liked to help people when they were in need. He also invested in people. He had great visionary and problem solving skills. He had modesty and compassion. As he loved his people he also respected them. Some of his characteristics were tolerance and humility.
Sheikh Zayed became the president of UAE on 2nd Decmber 1971. He was the ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1966 to 2004. He had 30 children and six wives. One of his quotes while he was president was ” The ruler should not have any barrier which separates him from his people”
He represented his country in the GCC from 1981 to 2004. It was his vision to bring the GCC countries together and form GCC on May 25, 1981.
Sheikh Zayed died at the age of 86 in Abu Dhabi on 2nd November 2004. He was buried at the mosque which was named as Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
By Akshat Prajapat 5C
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