Abu Dhabi, February 09: The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) continues with its goal of reaching all citizens and residents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in order to introduce them to the prolific legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed The First (the death of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, on the 19th of May, 1909) as part of its awareness campaign launched in May 2009 honouring the Centenary of his death.
ADACH is sponsoring the First Cultural Festival of the Students of the UAE University as part of its campaign “Zayed The First… Journey of an Emirate, Aspiration of Unity”.
The festival, organised by the UAE University, will take place on February 14 – 16 in Al Ain.
ADACH is organizing a press conference to announce the Festival’s events on February 11 at Ibn Majid Hall in the Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi.
The three-day festival includes cultural, scientific and artistic events, during which all the students’ literary, artistic and scientific innovations will be exhibited.
An art and heritage gallery, poetry and musical evenings and a display of various popular arts are also part of the festival’s events. Additionally there will be a special exhibition and documentary film about Sheikh Zayed the First, who was able to provide welfare and serenity to his people.
He is generally agreed to have been an exceptionally great leader. He was seen as the “strong man” of the region, a reputation that earned him the accolade “ The Great”. During his reign, Abu Dhabi grew in size and importance. Political stability brought economic growth as the population engaged in activities such as pearling, trading and shipbuilding, spreading a new sense of peace and prosperity throughout the Emirate. As a concomitant of these commercial, economic and political advances, a flourishing cultural movement emerged with a number of important poets.
Sheikh Zayed the First endeavours to bring together the tribes of the various Emirates beneath one banner and in doing so laid the foundations for future unification which was finally brought about by Sheikh Zayed the First’s grandson, the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may his soul rest in peace).
ADACH has prepared various publications in both Arabic and English for the campaign, which has been designed to appeal to all ages. It has also issued a booklet of relevant information on the life of Sheikh Zayed I, alongside a timeline of events during his reign. This is to enhance awareness and will serve to educate future generations about his achievements and work.
These publications are a token of appreciation for this man of many titles as they aim to revive his historical legacy and become a beacon to future generations. They also serve to raise awareness and impart knowledge about the symbols and historical, social and cultural figures of Abu Dhabi society, right across the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Zayed I displayed great leadership qualities from the beginning of his reign. This added an important dimension to his character and distinguished him from other rulers. These qualities made him a ruler and leader who was respected by members of his tribe and fellow Sheikhs. He was just, wise and had an agile mind and the ability to persuade others. He took calculated risks and was courageous in difficult situations. Sheikh Zayed the First faced many challenges, led dialogues and struck agreements which revealed the character of his reign and his role in political life, and maintained a courageous and active presence.
During his rule, Abu Dhabi had become an important player in the region. He protected the territory of the Emirate from any external aggression, particularly from the British, who were present for around three hundred years in the Arabian Gulf.
ADACH’s sponsorship of this festival seeks to raise awareness amongst university students about one of the most influential figures in history of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It will achieve this through focusing on the outstanding aspects of Sheikh Zayed the First’s biography, including his great political, economic, social and cultural achievements, and the prestigious status reached by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi during his rule. The sponsorship aims to promote the role of ADACH as Abu Dhabi’s main supporter of culture and heritage.
—Agencies