The year 2018 will mark 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose visionary leadership set the course to UAE's growth and modern development, commented a UAE daily.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced 2018 as the "Year of Zayed" to commemorate the legacy of this great Founding Father of the UAE who passed away in 2004.

"The unity, prosperity and social development experience today in the UAE is greatly credited to Sheikh Zayed, whose commitment to cultural heritage balanced with his pursuit for modernity has been a source of inspiration and achievement," said Khaleej Times in an editorial on Tuesday.

The paper continued, "More importantly, Sheikh Zayed ruled with tomorrow in mind. The Emirati people were central to all his policies. He invested UAE's wealth into building schools, hospitals, and orphanages for his people. Sheikh Zayed created the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development in 1971 channelling wealth from the UAE's oil revenue into 40 developing nations across Asia, Africa and Middle East.

"He worked in partnership with all government, private and national organisations to empower and advance Emirati youth to prepare them to become future leaders. He believed that youth were the key to progress and sustainable development of the emirate.

"The UAE was founded on his principles of tolerance and open-mindedness towards different people, religions and cultures. Zayed's diplomatic values paved way for the peaceful coexistence across the GCC. He knew that unity was the only path to future progress and pride.

"To pay tribute to his spirit, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, launched the UAE Centennial 2071, a five-decade government programme to prepare the nation for future generations.

"The programme aims to enhance the UAE's reputation and influence, through investments in education, economy, government development and social cohesion.

"This long-term plan will further evolve the country into a resilient and diversified economy, driven by innovation. Its aim is to reduce the UAE's dependency on oil and evolve into a knowledge-based economy, which will create an environment of growth for the leaders of tomorrow.

"A youth council was created in all sectors to empower youth, enhance their contribution and leadership as well as provide them with the opportunity to give their voice to the decisions that will shape their future.

"As the 2017 'Year of Giving' comes to a close and we enter into 2018 'Year of Zayed', it's important to remember the values of hospitality and generosity, which lie at the heart of the UAE identity. Sheikh Zayed left a legacy of giving, which is honoured in the policies, programmes and business activity we see today under Sheikh Mohammed.

"The Year of Zayed serves as a reminder to the journey the UAE has undergone as it continues its transformation into becoming one of the most sustainable cities in the world, providing people with the highest quality of life," concluded the paper.