On the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the year 2018 will be the 'Year of Zayed' in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to commemorate the 100th birthday of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed was able to lay the foundation and the solid pillars of a strong state that has become a successful development model by all measures and a source of inspiration for states seeking progress.

He also called for the year 2018 to be a year full of achievements and the formulation of initiatives, events and programs that embody the importance of his personality and emulate his leadership, wisdom, skill, vision and good governance that helped the state achieve its current position on the global map.

During the year of Zayed 2018, efforts will be focused on achieving several goals for the state to pursue the path of virtuousness and development:

The first is to highlight the role of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the founding of the United Arab Emirates and consolidate the foundations of its modern renaissance, its achievements at the local, regional and global levels, as well as the appreciation of his personality, principles, and values, which is the foundation of the UAE Renaissance.

The second is to commemorate Sheikh Zayed's personality, principles and values universally as an example of one of the greatest leading personalities in the world, the most inspiring of his patience, wisdom and vision.

The third is to strengthen the position of the late Sheikh Zayed as a symbol of patriotism, and the fourth to commemorate Sheikh Zayed's legacy through future projects and initiatives that correspond to his vision and value.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, noted that a comprehensive framework has been launched to operationalize the Zayed initiative and to find operational mechanisms to achieve their objectives and to work on an integrated agenda to consolidate and see the values of Zayed in the work of all the federal and local institutions.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention initiatives:

Following the declaration of 2018 as the Year of Zayed, projects and initiatives that correspond to his vision and values and uphold the UAE's principles will be launched throughout the year to bring happiness to the people and ensure their well-being. 

In accordance with our vision to become one of the nations with the best healthcare system, the Ministry of Health and Prevention is committed to enhancing the local health industry, providing globally accepted medical solutions, and conducting human capital training in this field.

The Ministry is also working towards building a comprehensive framework and efficient operational mechanisms according to the ideology behind the Year of Zayed. This year will be a period of achievements that will reflect our history as one nation and commemorate the inspiring leadership of Sheikh Zayed, who put the country on the world map and transformed the Emirates into an economic powerhouse and a source of inspiration for other countries seeking progress and development.​