Seven core values of UAE Founder Sheikh Zayed unveiled as guidance for future generations

The Founder’s Office has published seven core values associated with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, as a resource to help individuals and organisations understand and communicate his legacy.

The values are intended to provide a practical framework for educational, cultural and public engagement initiatives while supporting efforts to preserve Sheikh Zayed’s legacy in a historically accurate and culturally authentic manner.

The Founder’s Office said the seven values were identified following an extensive review of Sheikh Zayed’s words and actions, including his decades of leadership as Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE.

According to the Office, the values reflect elements of the vision that contributed to the establishment and development of the modern UAE over the past 55 years.

Seven values identified

The seven core values identified by The Founder’s Office are:

• Wisdom: Learning from the past while embracing opportunities for the future.
• Respect: Treating people with dignity and promoting tolerance and human fraternity.
• Human Development: Investing in people as a foundation for progress and prosperity.
• Determination: Demonstrating resilience and perseverance when facing challenges.
• Sustainability: Making long-term decisions that consider the interests of current and future generations.
• Unity: Recognising the importance of cooperation and solidarity.
• Generosity: Giving to others without seeking recognition or reward.

The Founder’s Office has also identified a non-exhaustive set of themes connected to each value, which may be updated over time.

Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of The Founder’s Office, said the values remain relevant and form an important part of the Founding Father’s cultural legacy.

He said preserving and passing these principles to future generations is a responsibility for those who have benefited from Sheikh Zayed’s leadership and vision.

Supporting the UAE's heritage

The publication coincides with the UAE’s Year of the Family and highlights the importance of passing authentic Emirati heritage and national values to younger generations.

The Founder’s Office said the initiative is intended to strengthen awareness of the principles that contributed to the UAE’s development and national identity.

Reem Yousif Alshimmari, Director General of The Founder’s Office, said publishing the values supports the Office’s mission to preserve and deepen understanding of Sheikh Zayed’s legacy.

She added that while the UAE continues to experience rapid social and technological change, the Founding Father’s values remain relevant as principles that can guide individuals and organisations.

Supporting education and cultural initiatives

The Founder’s Office, which operates as part of the Presidential Court, is responsible for preserving, honouring and advancing the legacy of Sheikh Zayed.

The Office also works with government entities, educational institutions and cultural organisations to support the accurate and respectful communication of his life and achievements.

Its work includes providing guidance on historical references, imagery and quotations, as well as the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in initiatives related to Sheikh Zayed’s legacy.

The newly published values are expected to inform future educational resources, cultural programmes, research initiatives and public engagement activities developed by The Founder’s Office and other organisations.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to preserve Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and promote understanding of the values that shaped his vision for the UAE and his approach to national development and international relations.