UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan marked Father’s Day with a heartfelt tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, remembering him as a symbol of wisdom, compassion, and leadership who helped build the nation.
In a message shared on social media, Sheikh Mohamed posted a rare black-and-white photograph from his childhood alongside Sheikh Zayed. The image shows the UAE’s Founding Father smiling warmly as his young son looks up at him.
“On Father’s Day, we remember our father Zayed — may God have mercy on him — the embodiment of fatherhood that built a nation through wisdom, compassion, love, and responsibility,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote.
The UAE President also paid tribute to fathers around the world, recognising their role in nurturing families and instilling values, ethics, and responsibility in future generations.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a video honouring his late father, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Reflecting on the influence of fathers, Sheikh Mohammed said: “We are what they sowed, what they made and built. We are what they left behind.”
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also joined the occasion by sharing a video featuring childhood moments with his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, highlighting the strong family bonds that continue to shape generations in the UAE.
The Father’s Day tributes come during the UAE’s Year of the Family 2026 initiative, which places families at the centre of national development and social wellbeing. Throughout the year, the UAE has introduced policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening family cohesion and supporting parents and children.
In his message, Sheikh Mohamed emphasised the vital role fathers play in building strong families and communities, noting that they remain a source of strength for society and the nation’s continued progress.
He concluded by extending his wishes to fathers across the UAE and around the world, while remembering those who have passed away.
“May God bless the fathers in the Emirates and around the world, and have mercy on those among them who have departed from our world,” he said.
