The Founder's Office has announced seven enduring values that defined the life and leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, and contributed to building the nation’s foundations. These values continue to serve as a national reference and a source of inspiration for current and future generations.
Rooted in the principles of Wisdom, Respect, Human Development, Determination, Sustainability, Unity and Generosity, these values reflect the beliefs that guided Sheikh Zayed’s vision and journey in building the nation. They helped establish a development model centred on people, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
The seven values reflect a comprehensive vision that contributed to shaping the modern UAE. They underscore the importance of investing in people, fostering a culture of coexistence and respect, promoting collective action, protecting resources for future generations, and reinforcing a culture of giving and humanitarian responsibility. In alignment with the aspirations of the UAE Year of Family, this initiative reaffirms the importance of passing national values and authentic Emirati heritage to the next generation while deepening awareness of the principles that helped shape the nation and strengthen its national identity.
Chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, The Founder's Office works to preserve, enrich, and drive engagement with the legacy and values of Sheikh Zayed. Through research, documentation, strategic communications, and partnerships, the office creates opportunities for people and organisations to engage meaningfully with Sheikh Zayed's life, leadership approach and enduring humanitarian values.
As the authoritative source on Sheikh Zayed's legacy and values, The Founder's Office supports government entities, educational institutions, and cultural organisations in communicating his story with authenticity, accuracy and integrity. Through guidance on historical references, imagery, quotations, and the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, the office helps ensure that Sheikh Zayed's legacy is shared in a manner that is respectful, consistent, meaningful for audiences, and connected to its original context.
The values will guide future educational resources, cultural programmes, research projects, and public engagement activities developed by The Founder's Office. They reflect the office’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing Sheikh Zayed's legacy while deepening understanding of the values that shaped his vision for the UAE. At a time of rapid change, these values remain enduring principles that continue to inspire individuals and organisations, supporting the nation’s progress and strengthening its regional and global standing.
These enduring values are expressed through seven guiding principles: Wisdom – Learning from the past while embracing the opportunities of the future; Respect – Promoting dignity, coexistence and understanding among all people; Human Development – Investing in people as the foundation of progress and prosperity; Determination – Turning ambition into achievement through resilience and perseverance; Sustainability – Protecting resources and opportunities for current and future generations; Unity – Strengthening communities through collaboration and shared purpose; and Generosity – Extending compassion, support and opportunity beyond borders.
