Tribute to a great leader

The remembrance of the beloved President will always be in the hearts of the new generations who will always remember his values, human interests, aid to other countries and nations, and his love for the UAE and his nationals.

The project which has been implemented by the students is an expression of their great appreciation and gratitude for the late president's contribution towards the UAE and the world at large.

The Zayed University organizing committee comprising of students from different colleges, are responsible for the monumental project that embodies the great history and life of the late president who has been an icon of contribution towards the building and development of this nation.

The open area at the Heritage & Diving Village in Dubai has been chosen by the colleges to represent the noble heritage and history of the country, whilst using modern technology to attract DSF visitors who comprise of a large potpourri of nationalities.

Following the success of last year's idea that concentrated on the UAE's history through the life of the great leader, which attracted more than a million visitors during DSF 2004, the students are excited about having arranged something different this year. The unerring support of our sponsors Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, ADNOC Distribution, Dubai Customs and Al Habtoor Motors have gone a long way in making this event a success.

The nine participating students of the project are from different colleges under the supervision of Masood Al Mazrooei, director of community affairs, Asma Obaid and Shaima Khoory from the student services.

The students are divided into groups with Asma Yousif, Asma Al Shamsi and Hala Al Tunaiji responsible for the posters, advertisements and postal cards. Hanan Mansoor and Hanan Jaafar have designed the hi-tech electronic board that conveys the human aid that the late Sheikh Zayed offered to all the countries world-wide. Hend Saleem and Shamsa Al Oghani have prepared a short documentary in cooperation with Sharjah TV about the proverbs and quotes of the late leader as well as interviews with prominent close associates of HH Sheikh Zayed who witnessed his era from the beginning," said Shahima Al Zarooni, student group leader.

The "Zayed Agenda" which is a unique sub-project portrays the slice of life of the late president between January 12 and February 12 throughout the years 1966 to 2002. Among the displays, the UAE national artist Mousa Al Helayan displays several rare photographs and artistic portraits of several facets of the late president's life. The expansive library section includes books, records, documentations, old and rare manuscripts and a host of new Arabic and English publications. The exhibition hall will also display unique albums and photographs of the late president.

The committee has also published a special issue of interviews with the friends of the late President, namely Hamad bin Saukat, the well-known businessman, who speaks about his memories of the president. Another prominent personality to be featured is Khalaf Al Habtoor, who witnessed the great progress and development of UAE and the accomplishments of HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The students gathered their information and publications from varied and diverse sources which includes Emirates Centre for Studies and Strategic Researches, Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, Dubai TV, Al Khaleejia Radio, Documentation and Research Centre under the chairmanship of Presidential Diwan in Abu Dhabi, Emirates Media, Sharjah TV and Emirates Heritage Club.

While all the postcards and books created by the students will be displayed in appreciation of their efforts, the winners of the "Best Poem" and "Best Post Card" competitions will be announced during the course of the exhibition, and will receive valuable awards and gifts.