Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has declared 2018 the "Year of Zayed", the state news agency WAM reported.

The year 2018 marks 100 years since the birth of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and today’s announcement is being held on the anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed's Accession Day - the day he assumed leadership in Abu Dhabi on 6th August 1966, marking the start of a new epoch in the history of United Arab Emirates.

The Year of Zayed will highlight the role of the late leader in establishing the UAE Federation, and his local, regional and international achievements.

Several objectives are sought including being a time to highlight the role of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in establishing the UAE and consolidating its foundations of modern development, with an emphasis on the nation's local, regional and global achievements, and continue to form the basis of this country’s progress.

The Year of Zayed will also seek to share Sheikh Zayed's values and principles, as well as one of the greatest world leaders, with an inspirational wisdom, vision and patience.

This celebration will strengthen Sheikh Zayed's stature as a symbol of patriotism and love for the nation.

The Year will be an opportunity to portray Sheikh Zayed’s legacy in forthcoming projects and initiatives that express his vision and values.

Source : Mena