Sheikh Zayed, Life and Times 1918-2004
by through the lens of Noor Ali Rashid
Timeline Unknown
Los Angeles, CA
I’ve always admired Sheikh Zayed from a young age. My admiration for him has created unique respect for the UAE and has formed good relationships with its people, especially the ones who have walked into my old house and found a portrait of Sheikh Zayed on my wall. When I visited the palace in UAE in 2016 and toured the country, I was amazed by how a man could take a desert and transform it into a dream. The book divides the stages of his life perfectly; the early years, the founder of a nation, the visionary ruler, the international stage, the man of traditional values, the father of the nation, and the end of an era. It presents a written briefing before showing a series of photos with a description of the stories behind them.
Sheikh Zayed had a unique personality that combined generosity and vision, a wise figure that used his wealth and status as a monarch to guide the UAE to become one of the most successful nations in the world, despite all the challenges the nation would faced in the beginning. He was not in line to be the ruler and as the youngest of his father’s sons, the least expected to be. His brother Sheikh Shakhbut was conservative, cautious, frugal, and ill-equipped to move with the fast-changing times. A new and dynamic leader was required, with proven success, experience, and popularity in all directions led to Sheikh Zayed. He promised and he delivered. He raised his nation and his people to the highest standard of living from the sand, through courage and enthusiasm.
My leadership and personality, have been significantly influenced by Sheikh Zayed’s. While I will never be the founder of the nation (Egypt, unlike the UAE, has a much longer history), however, with the extreme challenges my people faced, he serves as an influence to propel the people forward. Within our family, I’ve been the eccentric figure who’s always wanted to push for more reforms while reviving the appreciation for our Saidi traditions and culture, while being a giver and wanting more for the people. My urban planning is also influenced by his style: Desert to Dreams.