Marking the anniversary of the passing of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace; the program Qalby Etmaan dedicated a special episode from its ninth season to revisiting his humanitarian legacy and its lasting impact through educational projects and charitable initiatives around the world.
The episode opened with a special anthem written by the late Karim Al-Iraqi and highlighted several sustainable projects established by Sheikh Zayed, including Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. One of the largest mosques in the country, it accommodates more than 18,000 worshippers and serves as a hub for educational programs and community activities. During Ramadan, the mosque also provides daily iftar meals to thousands of people.
The program also shared stories reflecting Sheikh Zayed’s support for education. Among them was Professor Adam from Uganda, who studied at the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain during Sheikh Zayed’s era and spoke about how the experience shaped his academic path and career in teaching.
The episode also featured Ethiopian youth Hanan, who was inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s humanitarian work and published a book about him in Amharic titled The Good Role Model. She now leads initiatives supporting mothers and children in Ethiopia.
It further highlighted the educational transformation in the United Arab Emirates since the establishment of the Union. Illiteracy rates declined from more than 60 percent before the Union to less than 1 percent today, while unemployment remains among the lowest globally at around 2–3 percent.
The episode concluded with a short film about Sheikh Zayed, his close relationship with his people, and his enduring humanitarian legacy. The special episode is part of the ninth season of Qalby Etmaan, which continues to highlight humanitarian stories and charitable initiatives across several countries. The full episode is available on the program’s official YouTube channel.
