Sarah Taryam, Arts Editor

It has been a very sad week for the whole country after the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan last Friday. The great leader has been mourned and remembered for his legacy, which will never be forgotten.

Sheikh Khalifa became head of state in 2004 in Abu Dhabi, continuing in the footsteps of his father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In 1966 when Sheikh Zayed became the Ruler of the Emirate he appointed his son Sheikh Khalifa, who was only 18 at the time, as his representative in the Eastern Province and the President of its legal system. This was very telling of his father’s confidence in him.

Sheikh Khalifa was extremely loved by everyone in the UAE. The epitome of generosity, Sheikh Khalifa was known for his wisdom and commitment to making his country the best place to live, just as his father had done.

Sheikh Khalifa extended this mentality oversees forging strong relations with other countries thanks to his active foreign policy. Also known for his humanitarian policies and charitable donations, the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation is third most significant donor of UAE foreign aid.

Sheikh Khalifa provided much needed emergency assistance in times of natural disasters, sending help after events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2005 earthquake that devastated much of northern Pakistan and neighbouring parts of India.

Sheikh Khalifa will always be remembered and forever appreciated for the steady, wise leadership he provided to his country. A legacy which his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has become the third president of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, will continue.