19-03-2025
UAE: How Sheikh Zayed inspired this humanitarian to dedicate his life to help the needy
"Don't worry, I stopped to help." Hearing these words from Sheikh Zayed changed the course of Emirati humanitarian Ahmed Al Nazr Al Falasi's life.
Al Falasi, who now leads the 'Ahmad Al Falasi Hope Maker Foundation', credits his outlook towards philanthropy and community service to UAE's Founding Father, and an incident at his military graduation where the leader asked the young graduate to accompany him.
Although he felt honoured on being given the opportunity to accompany the leader, he couldn't help feel unworthy of the task because of his rank.
As he travelled in his car alongside Sheikh Zayed's vehicle, the former Ruler suddenly pulled over to help workers planting palm trees and said, "Don't worry, I stopped to help."
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Al Falasi attempted to ask Sheikh Zayed to remain in his car and allow him to assist the workers. He, however, insisted by saying, "Take a sapling and plant it like I do, and do what I'm doing."
Sheikh Zayed began taking a sapling, arranging the soil, and working diligently on his own. He even brought a water pipe to irrigate the plants, ensuring they received the care they needed.
Al Falasi watched in awe as Sheikh Zayed adjusted the mud around the palm tree, treating it as 'if he were nurturing something in his own home'. The sight of a state leader engaging in such hands-on work, dedicated to helping others, was remarkable for Al Falasi. "To see this example before me from a state leader, a man in every sense of the word, who loves the poor and fears God, was transformative," he reflected.
After they were done, Sheikh Zayed appreciated the workers, turned to Al Falasi and said, "Ahmed, how are you?"
This interaction left a profound impact on Al Falasi, who expressed that he learned something invaluable that day. "I told him that I learned something today that I will never forget and will teach generations to come. When they ask me who my role model is, I will say my idol is Zayed bin Sultan."
Today, the foundation he leads has become a beacon of hope through its humanitarian and medical initiatives across Africa. Officially recognised by the Ministry of Community Development on June 25, 2020, the foundation is headquartered in Dubai and continues to make significant contributions to various charitable projects.
In 2020, Al Falasi's efforts were acknowledged when he received the prestigious 'Arab Hope Makers' award for his extraordinary humanitarian work in Kenya. His journey began with the establishment of a shelter for children in China, and he has since focused his efforts on Kenya, where he utilised his family's financial resources to create a kidney dialysis center that has been crucial in providing life-saving treatments.
Al Falasi has also donated eight cutting-edge mobile units for kidney dialysis and blood transfusion, with four units designated for Lebanon and four for Kenya. These units are designed to deliver essential medical services to those in dire need, particularly in countries facing challenging circumstances.
