Year of Zayed

Most founding leaders are known in history books for the act of founding nations, movements, or groups. Very few are remembered for the important personal values and vision that earned them the title. To that effect, this year in the UAE, we dedicate 2018 to our late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a leader who not only spurred the formation of our country, but who lives on in our memory for his embodiment of fatherhood and leadership in their truest essence. In honor of the Year of Zayed, I will publish an article every month reflecting upon specific values and principles that reflect his vision, and how they’ve helped guide my own work today. I do not think I am alone in this, if anything, Sheikh Zayed is our reference point. When in doubt we ask: what would Zayed do?

This year marks the 100th birthday of a leader who continues to be a role model for both Emiratis and non-Emiratis, and whose legacy and example live on beyond his existence. His memory and vivid anecdotes of his leadership are instilled in Emiratis from a very young age. As the UAE’s Minister of Culture, two key elements of Sheikh Zayed’s vision really speak to our work: his commitment and investment in human capital, and his espousal of tolerance and coexistence. Both of these themes have played a pivotal role in the UAE’s development over the past 45 years, and will remain crucial in its success in the years to come. They are natural pillars for building a thriving, inclusive cultural sector that will showcase our country’s heritage and traditions to a broader audience, and place the UAE on the map as a hub of arts and culture across the region and around the world.

Despite facing numerous obstacles and a harsh terrain, Sheikh Zayed was driven by a passion and belief in his people, and an unwavering desire to provide them with a more prosperous life. He sought to create a united nation where each individual felt proud and motivated to continue his work. This included promoting a better standard of living -- especially for women and youth -- emphasising the importance of education, and maintaining security by fostering relationships with leaders from other countries. While the UAE is lucky to have been blessed with wealth, we are even more lucky to have had a leader who knew how to wield it wisely. It is our responsibility to take the baton and share his wisdom with future generations.

These future generations are our most important resource. We have such incredible talent here in the UAE, and every day, I’m lucky to see their potential first-hand. One quote that I find particularly striking from Sheikh Zayed is: “No matter how many buildings, foundations, schools, and hospitals we build or how many bridges we raise, all [of] these are material entities. The real spirit behind progress is the human spirit - the able man with his intellect and capabilities.” This really sums up the essence of our progress, and how we may continue to pursue and preserve it. In the case of culture, our commitment to cultural infrastructure (spaces, institutions, and initiatives) is ultimately an investment in our people, specifically our artists of all cultural mediums.

They need our support as they are the main contributors and guardians of the cultural sector in the UAE. There are several entities that already fund creatives within the public and private sector, but the newly announced Cultural Development Fund, under the patronage of HH

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the perfect example of the support and sponsorship we need to offer creatives. This fund, and funds like it, will be able to provide artists with sponsorship for their work, filmmakers with the resources they need to create their stories, and designers with the assets they need to buy their material. This type of investment in the cultural sector also includes improving cultural education and creative studies in schools, a proposition that many believe in but has thus far been underserved. We remain committed to helping find solutions to these challenges, and to developing an ecosystem where our artists and cultural ambassadors can thrive right here in the UAE.

In recent years, new technology has had an outsized role in the evolution of culture, and the UAE is keeping up with the trend in order to help our artists improve their work. Innovation and entrepreneurship are hot buzzwords in today’s world, and it’s easy to overuse them while losing sight of the meaning. Sheikh Zayed was a true innovator and forward thinker; he did not see limitations, only possibilities. In the cultural sector, we look to this example and rather than shy away from progress, we continue to embrace it. Governments must adapt and champion these technologies, especially as they relate to our youth’s success and creative development. Simply think of the impact of digital media and AI, where artists, musicians, writers, and filmmakers have found new and innovative ways to make their work. We must get behind these efforts and incorporate them into the way we work and think about the cultural sector.

The UAE is the country it is today because Sheikh Zayed was the leader he was i.e. not afraid of embracing change and prioritising people. These are principles that ground my work every day, and I hope that they can help guide others during the Year of Zayed as well.