“We celebrate the Zayed Day for Humanitarian Action amid exceptional and unprecedented conditions this year,” said Her Excellency Dr Aisha bint Butti bin Bishr, Director General, Smart Dubai. “Yet even under the most difficult of circumstances, like the ones the entire world is reeling from at the moment, the UAE remains committed to humanitarianism and generosity. The UAE’s leadership has offered its support to nations across the globe facing the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak by launching initiatives such as the ‘Air Bridge’ to help 100 countries around the world in collaboration with the United Nations’ World Food Programme, the ‘10 Million Meals’ initiative to feed people across the country in times of need, and the Burj Khalifa’s ‘World’s Tallest Donation Box’, helping raise funds to battle COVID-19.

“Today, when we commemorate the passing of the UAE’s Founding Father and the architect of its success, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is an important day for the Emirati people. It embodies the values of generosity and charity that the Founding Father has embedded in all of us, leading us by example and encouraging every Emirati towards charity and humanitarian efforts,” H.E. Dr Aisha added.

“Our wise leadership today continues to walk the same path, led by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai; and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces,” H.E. continued. “Our leaders offer their full support for the ‘Zayed Day for Humanitarian Action’ initiative, which has become an annual event where people across the UAE launch charity projects. The initiative has ingrained a positive image of the Emirates in the hearts and minds of people around the world, keeping the late Founding father’s legacy alive in the collective memory of all Emiratis and others around the globe.”

“May the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan rest in peace, and may his values and practices continue to guide us, and inspire us to be kind and charitable to all of mankind,” Dr Aisha concluded.