UAE Unveils Seven Core Values of Founder Sheikh Zayed to Strengthen National Legacy
On August 10, 2026, The Founder’s Office, part of the Presidential Court of the UAE, introduced a formal framework outlining seven core values inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father. This initiative aims to preserve and promote the principles that shaped the nation under Sheikh Zayed’s leadership, emphasizing their relevance in contemporary society.
The values articulated in this framework are not merely theoretical; they reflect decades of Sheikh Zayed’s actions and decisions as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE. The Founder’s Office conducted a comprehensive analysis to ensure these values resonate with the cultural and historical context of the UAE. This release coincides with the UAE Year of the Family, underscoring the nation’s commitment to family values.
The Seven Values
The seven core values attributed to Sheikh Zayed each carry distinct definitions, illustrating the principles that guided his leadership.
Wisdom emphasizes the importance of learning from the past while embracing future opportunities, recognizing that progress is interconnected with history.
Respect is framed as treating all individuals with dignity, positioning the UAE as a model of tolerance and human fraternity. This value is evident in the UAE’s diverse society.
Human Development reflects Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to investing in people as the cornerstone of national progress. For him, education, healthcare, and housing were not just policies but moral imperatives.
Determination embodies resilience and perseverance, particularly in overcoming significant challenges. This value is closely linked to the rapid development of the UAE from modest beginnings.
Sustainability focuses on making long-term decisions that benefit both current and future generations, aligning with the UAE’s environmental and economic planning initiatives.
Unity highlights the critical importance of cooperation and solidarity among the seven emirates, fostering regional cohesion.
Generosity involves selfless giving without expectation of reward, a value deeply ingrained in Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, reflected in extensive philanthropic efforts both domestically and internationally.
Why Now?
His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of The Founder’s Office, articulated the significance of this initiative, stating that the values of Sheikh Zayed are integral to his cultural legacy and remain as relevant today as they were during his lifetime. He emphasized the responsibility of current generations to preserve these values for future generations.
The UAE has undergone rapid transformation, with a largely expatriate population and younger citizens growing up in a vastly different environment than their grandparents. The formal introduction of these values serves as a cultural preservation effort, providing a clear reference point for understanding the legacy of the UAE’s founder.
Her Excellency Reem Yousif Alshimmari, Director General of The Founder’s Office, reinforced this perspective, noting that in a time of swift change, the Founder’s values offer enduring principles that guide individuals and organizations across the UAE.
How the Values Will Be Used
The Sheikh Zayed values are intended as a practical resource rather than a mere commemorative document. The Founder’s Office confirmed that this framework will inform future educational resources, cultural programs, research initiatives, and public engagement activities across the nation. A set of related themes has been identified for each value, with the potential for updates over time.
Additionally, the framework addresses the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in preserving and disseminating Sheikh Zayed’s legacy. This commitment reflects a modern approach to cultural heritage, ensuring that institutions and creators have a verified standard to reference as AI-generated content about historical figures becomes increasingly common.
What This Means Broadly
The legacy of the UAE’s founder has always been central to the national identity. His story is taught in schools, and his name is commemorated in various public spaces across the emirates. However, the establishment of a formal values framework transcends mere commemoration. It transforms Sheikh Zayed from a historical figure into a living reference for ethical and civic behavior.
This initiative signals that the UAE’s leadership recognizes the importance of actively maintaining and transferring values alongside infrastructure and economic development. The complete values framework is publicly accessible through The Founder’s Office.
For further details, visit The Founder’s Office.
Source: timesofdubai.ae
Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
Published on 2026-08-14 09:50:00 • By the Editorial Desk
