Symposium honours UAE founder

ABU DHABI // Political, academic and intellectual figures gathered to praise Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan yesterday at an event to mark the fourth anniversary of his death. The founder of the UAE died on Nov 2, 2004, but the anniversary is also observed on National Day. "The exceptional leader died," said Mohammed Khalifa al Murar, the information adviser at the Centre of Information Affairs, where the event was held. "The kind heart ceased to beat but it was full of mercy, kindness and tenderness. Nevertheless, Sheikh Zayed will never leave our memory despite the succession of time."

Sheikh Zayed was hailed for his commitment to humanitarian relief, the environment, education, equality and the economy. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Sheikh Zayed's widow, was quoted in a research paper as saying her husband "was a source of inspiration for all the people in the UAE and his noble values constituted his holistic approach to these issues and consequently led to the remarkable transformation of the UAE in every facet of life."

munderwood@thenational.ae