And now, more than ever, this spirit of giving has become a source of inspiration for the country amid the pandemic.
It is on May 12, Zayed Humanitarian Day, the nation remembers the ‘extraordinary human’ the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was – and how we cared for people not only in the UAE but across the world.
And now, more than ever, this spirit of giving has become a source of inspiration for the country amid the pandemic.
Even as it fights Covid-19, the UAE has been carrying on its beloved ruler’s humanitarian mission by dispatching medical aid to other countries, helping them weather the crises brought about the outbreak.
It has delivered critical medical supplies; made UAE-owned facilities abroad available to local governments; supplied donations to local initiatives; and assisted in the repatriation of foreign nationals.
To date, it has provided over 442 metric tonnes of aid to more than 39 countries, supporting nearly 442,000 medical professionals in the process.
Wherever help is needed, the UAE is there – a testament to how Sheikh Zayed’s generosity and kindness have shaped a generation of humanitarians.
“If one looks back at Sheikh Zayed’s life, there is evidence everywhere in his actions of the way in which he cared for other people, the old and the young, men and women, citizens and expatriates inside the UAE and people in other nations,” said Peter Hellyer, a historian and adviser at the National Media Council.
Hellyer noted that as a ruler and president, Sheikh Zayed showed “great determination” in providing housing and access to education, healthcare to the people of the UAE.
“He also created a generous programme of overseas aid to support countries that lacked the UAE’s access to economic resources,” Hellyer told Khaleej Times.
Millions of lives around the world were changed because of his earnest desire to help others, the historian said.
