Father Zayed Read Aloud Storytime

Hi, today we're going to read the book Father Zad by Sala Gabish, illustrated by Mahmud Abu. As we celebrate the United Arab Emirates National Day with fireworks, concerts, picnics, and other public events, we shouldn't forget the father and founder of our muchloved country, Sheikh Zed bin Sultan Al- Nayan. Do you know why? It is because of his vision and dedication that the United Arab Emirates is the great nation it is today. Sheikh Zed was born into family of rulers of Abu Dhabi. Both his father and his grandfather had ruled Abu Dhabi. He was born in Abu Dhabi and grew up in the desert city of Alain. Desert life taught him many things. He learned many desert traditions and about falconry. But most of all, Shikh Zed learned how to be patient and brave. Sheikh Zed began memorizing the Holy Quran when he was young. He loved listening to stories that his elders would tell about the life of the prophet Muhammad. Peace and prayers be upon him. He would spend lot of time with them and ask them many questions. His curiosity gave him spirit of wisdom which was one of his well-known virtues. He seemed so wise that people often forgot how young he was when he was growing up. She zed was inspired by the stories he'd heard and wanted to grow up to be great leader. Although he loved playing games with boys his own age, he knew that if he was to be strong leader, he would have to concentrate on his education. So he continued his education at his father's malus. Growing up in the desert, Sheikh Zed had learned about courage and chivalry. But at his father's mulus, he learned about the art of negotiating and the importance of unity and respecting others. He learned that strong and united communities are only possible when people loved and respected each other. Shikh Zia learned from his father that safe and peaceful communities needed brave leaders. But that was not all they needed. For community to be really strong, they also needed leader who was kind and fair to the people around him. The experience that Shikh Zed had growing up in desert environment had huge impact on shaping his personality. Schooled in traditional values, he had deep love and respect for the environment. He also loved falconry and was very skilled at it. Shik Zed loved all the colors of the desert sands. But he had dream of one day transforming the desert into rich green oasis, paradise. He imagined time when trees, palms, and green fields, vegetables, fruits, and flowers would grow on the barren land he loved. He asked specialists from many countries around the world to come and help him. Many told him it was impossible and that nothing would grow on his harsh and empty land. She hazed never gave up. "Let us try," he would say. Under his guiding hand, in little over 25 years, the desert was transformed into garden paradise. She zed became known as the man who tamed the desert. When Sheik Zed became the leader of Abu Dhabi, he remembered the lessons he learned at his father's magist and from his elders that united communities are strong and happy communities. He asked the rulers of other emirates if they would like to unite and work together. They gladly agreed and on December 2nd, 1971, the United Arab Emirates was born. On February 10th, 1972, Brazil Khima joined the other emirates. We will always remember Sheikh Zed bin Sultan Anhayan, the father and founder of our muchloved country and the man who transformed his dream into beautiful reality. The end.