ECSSR Hosts Dhahi Khalfan Tamim

The UAE Federation Library at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, ECSSR, hosted its third session of the "A Book in an Hour" initiative on Monday

ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 19th Mar, 2019) The UAE Federation library at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, ECSSR, hosted its third session of the "A Book in an Hour" initiative on Monday.

This interactive session featured Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security of Dubai, who spoke about his book titled, "The Soft Power in the Leadership Qualities of Zayed". The event was attended by Prof. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, Director-General of the ECSSR, and a group of academics, media professionals, and ECSSR employees.

Lt. General Khalfan spoke about his motives for writing the book, the various stages in preparing it, and the ideas and information contained in its pages. He said that his book was published last year, which coincided with the Year of Zayed.

He said that he included some of the qualities of the Founding Father in his book but was unable to mention all of them. "Sheikh Zayed was not only the leader of the UAE in a specific time frame but also an exceptional leader in the history of Bani Yas, the region, and the whole world," he said, adding that because of this, he realised that it was necessary to write this book to answer the questions that future generations will raise about Sheikh Zayed's personality.

The author said that it is vital that UAE military colleges teach the leadership qualities of Sheikh Zayed, as a model for inspiring leaders. He also recommended teaching the leadership qualities of other historical figures from outside our social and cultural circles. He said that this would enable the younger generations of the UAE, GCC and Arab region to be inspired by the history, life, and thoughts of Sheikh Zayed as well as other great leaders.

The author mentioned many of the qualities embodied in the personality of the late Sheikh Zayed. He said that the most notable quality was strategic planning, pointing out that he planned to build a state, not only for a limited period of time but one that would last forever. He took into consideration the failures of many world leaders to build sustainable societies. Therefore, many nations during the life of Sheikh Zayed wished that they were blessed with a leader like him to achieve what he achieved for the UAE and its people.

The author spoke about how tolerant Sheikh Zayed was, and also praised his other qualities including his keen interest in human and economic development, all for the wellbeing and happiness of his citizens.

Mentioning other traits of Sheikh Zayed, Dhahi Khalfan said that he was a good teacher, a social reformer, humble, wise, patient, eloquent, prudent, prompt, and effective decision-maker.

He said that Sheikh Zayed possessed two key qualities of a leader. He was capable of setting priorities and mixing flexibility with firmness. He also ruled within the framework of ethics. Through such qualities, he was able to achieve more for the country than what people had expected.

"A Book in an Hour" is an initiative launched by the ECSSR in line with the nation’s "Month of Reading" programme, scheduled for March every year. The UAE Federation Library at the ECSSR hosts one prominent writer each week to discuss his book in a dialogue session, throughout the month.