AS THE YEAR OF ZAYED COMES TO A CLOSE, A&E REFLECTS OF SOME OF THE ICONIC HAPPENINGS THAT HAVE CELEBRATED THE LIFE OF THE FOUNDING FATHER OVER THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
2018 marked one hundred years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. To commemorate the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared that 2018 would officially be known as the Year of Zayed. The past twelve months have seen celebrations, initiatives and events that have honoured the founder and celebrated his legacy and impact on the UAE. The Year of Zayed involved people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities to celebrate the diverse communities we have living in the UAE, bringing everyone together to celebrate in a vast range of ways.
LOOK UP
A Guinness World Record was broken for the largest aerial projection in the sky. The record, set by Wasl Asset Management Group involved an 300ft aerial screen floating above the Dubai skyline. It was towed across the sky by helicopter, with a second helicopter projecting a short film about The Year of Zayed. The video used a combination of augmented reality tracking and live mapping. The presentation started at Skydive Dubai and passed across Dubai, over Zabeel Park and hovered over The Dubai Creek, before heading back to its original point. The screen could be viewed from as far away as three kilometres during the ninety-minute journey.
Sravya Nagalakunta, Grand Winner – The Indian High School, Dubai
ZAYED PAINTING CONTEST
The Zayed Painting contest on 31st March marked the end of a 12 day art exhibition. Aimed to strengthen the objectives of the Year of Zayed Foundation the exhibition featured works of art from children from over 100 schools across the country. The competition which was backed by Emirates Global Aluminium invited students from schools to create art pieces. Over 13,000 students took part. Chosen paintings from each school were selected to be displayed in a twelve-day exhibition where a panel of judges selected three winning art pieces. The top three prize winners were Sravya Nagalakunta from The Indian High School, Dubai (Grand Prize Winner); Joel Thompil from GEMS Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai (2nd Prize Winner); and Maria Hana from The Pearl Academy, Abu Dhabi (3rd Prize Winner).The winners were awarded a cash prize and a crystal plaque, while ten finalists also received a special gift pack as well as having their artwork published in a book.
Founders Memorial
THE FOUNDER’S MEMORIAL
As an everlasting tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan a memorial was inaugurated at the Abu Dhabi corniche showcasing an installation suspended from a 30-metre high cube. The installation was designed by Ralph Helmick and was a three-dimensional portrait of Sheikh Zayed. Named The Constellation, the piece is made up of 1,327 geometric shapes, suspended on more than 1,000 cables. The 30-minute inauguration ceremony which took place on April 22nd 2018 featured a 40-strong choir performing Allah Ya Dar Zayed, as well as arrangements of other traditional songs. The unveiling was attending by their Highnesses Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and many other distinguished guests.
Zayed Happiness Van launch
THE ZAYED HAPPINESS VAN
A Happiness Van named after Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan began travelling the country in May. Visiting labour accommodations and camps, the Zayed Happiness Van has been handing out gifts to workers. The Dar Al Ber Society launched the van in honour of Sheikh Zayed’s contribution to bringing communities together and the legacy he has left behind for future generations. Using the tagline “because everyone deserves to be happy,” the van visited its first destination in Al Quoz where hundreds of workers queued to receive charitable goody bags containing food and snacks. Other items including shoes and fabric were also among the gifts that were distributed by volunteers. There was also a quiz that saw three workers winning vouchers including an air ticket home with Air Arabia.
Etihad Airways launches unique aircraft
SKY HIGH
Emirates dedicated ten of its fleet of aircraft to the late Sheikh Zayed with a specially designed mural on the aeroplanes. Five Airbus 380s and five Boeing 777-300ER planes were chosen for the project which has seen the message spread all around the world as the aircraft have travelled the globe this past year. Each bespoke design covered an area of 480 square metres on the A380 and 312 square metres on the Boeing 777-300ER. The designs took a total of 119 days to install. Meanwhile Etihad Airways unveiled their own aircraft displaying a unique design in memory of The Founding Father. The plane was launched under the theme of respect and was used for the sole purpose of conducting humanitarian flights for charitable organisations.
Zayed Sports Tournament
ZAYED SPORTS TOURNAMENT
The annual Zayed Sports Tournament was dedicated to the Founding Father of the UAE. The event is organised by the Armed Forces Officers Cub & Hotel and took place during the month of Ramadan. The tournament honoured the late Sheikh Zayed’s keen sportsmanship and his legacy of engaging communities. The Tournament featured nine different sporting activities. Over 2,750 athletes took part, participating in sports including basketball, football, shooting, swimming, judo, chess, volleyball and more.
Words of a Leader book launch
FOUNDING FATHER BOOK LAUNCH
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi released a book titled “Words of a Leader – Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.” The book was released to mark the birth centenary of the late Sheikh Zayed. Translated from Arabic it is also available in English, French, German and Spanish. The book contains a carefully curated selection of quotes from the Founding Father that celebrate his life. The quotes highlight the inspiration and leadership he gave to others.
YEAR OF ZAYED PERFUME
Saleh Al Hammadi Emirati owner of fragrance store Perfume Bay designed a perfume that would mirror the incense used by the late Sheikh Zayed. The formula is created from pure Oud and subsequently became the best-selling perfume in the store.
