Today marks the 19th day of the holy month of Ramadan. This auspicious day is also indeed a day to ponder, reflect and commemorate a legendary leader. A leader who had multitudinous qualities and build a spectacular nation and inspired many.

It is none other than the Late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who left behind a remarkable legacy that each one of us can learn from. During this time which marks the anniversary of his death , it’s important that we reflect on the values that he embodied and consolidated them while developing the nation. He was without a doubt an emphatic humanitarian who preached and practiced the need to give back, to reach out and to sacrifice for a good cause. These are principles contained within the Zayed Day of Humanitarian Action, which is named after him. Also this day becomes even more auspicious because it falls in the Year of Zayed.

When it was inaugurated Zayed Day for Humanitarian Action six years ago, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said it was a celebration of “Sheikh Zayed’s spirit of philanthropy” and “the Emirati culture of giving”. Also what is worth noting is the awe-inspiring humanitarian culture that is present in the UAE, and this kind of an altruistic culture is enhanced during the holy month of Ramadan. They have numerous number of organisations that work round the clock to ensure that every individual is fed satisfactorily while fasting and this is indeed a blessing for those workers who work in the heat that can peak even up to 45 degrees.

It is often said that when you experience something, you’ll be able to feel for others better. True to this is the story of beloved Shiekh Zayed, who toiled and strived through various obstacles to transform a land of dry yellow sand into a bewildering nation marked with progress and opportunities for all. And he understood the need to put oneself in others shoes and support them and this has indeed been the cornerstone values that the country has been established upon.