Citizen families name their twins “Zayed and Rashid” in memory of the founding leaders

Emirati families took the names (Zayed) and (Rashid) for their twins out of joy and in honor of the founding fathers, and in the hope that these children would carry the traits and qualities of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may God bless them.

Emirates Today met with a number of families, in conjunction with the “Zayed and Rashid” campaign, organized by “Brand Dubai”, the creative arm of the Dubai Government Media Office, as part of the UAE’s celebrations of the 54th Union Day.

The mother of twins Zayed and Rashid Al-Mazmi (10 years old), Ahlam Al-Mahrouqi, said that the birth of the twins had a wide resonance among family and loved ones, as it was a surprise that only her mother and her mother-in-law knew about before the birth. She added that everyone’s reaction was great upon receiving the news, as it was filled with astonishment and joy.

Regarding naming the twins, she confirmed the desire of the twins’ father to name them after the founders of the UAE, and to celebrate their efforts and dedication to serving the people. She pointed out that this choice was met with joy, congratulations and love from everyone, in appreciation of the symbolism of the two names.

As for her son, Zayed Al Mazmi, he expressed his pride in bearing the name (Zayed), noting that this strengthens his love of the homeland, the desire to help people, and the fulfillment of dreams that raise the name of the Emirates high.

He stressed that he hopes to acquire the qualities that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, had, foremost of which is a kind heart, humility, and his love for his people.

He added that he dreams of becoming an officer defending his country, to be a source of pride for the Emirates and its leadership.

As for his brother (Rashid), he aspires to achieve his dream in the field of aviation, and to become a pilot in the future, stressing that he will always strive for success and achievement to raise the name of the Emirates high. He also sent a message to the people of his generation, in which he stressed the importance of working for the homeland and always striving for first place.

Rashid pointed out the important role of the family in promoting love of the homeland, explaining that they grew up participating in National Day celebrations at school, attending community events, and hearing stories from a young age about Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and their efforts to establish the union, which strengthened their love for the Emirates and consolidated the values ​​of belonging.

As for Muhammad, the brother of the two children, Zayed and Rashid Al-Abdouli (one year old), he said that the arrival of the twins was surprising news.

He added that as soon as he learned that the newborns were twins, he insisted on his parents to name them (Zayed) and (Rashid), due to the symbolism that the two names represent and the great place they have in the hearts of Emiratis.

He explained that the reactions were full of love, and he expressed his hope that the twins would bear a share in their names, and that they would have the characteristics of the founders, Zayed and Rashid, may God bless them.

For her part, the mother of Zayed and Rashid Ahmed Rajab, who were born in September of this year, said, with Badour Al-Najjar, that she had intended from the beginning to name her son (Zayed) after the father of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed, may God have mercy on him. She added: “When I learned that I was pregnant with twins, my mother stressed the necessity of keeping the name, and I did not intend to change it, and I felt that there was no name worthy of the name (Zayed) except (Rashid), as I do not see (Zayed) without (Rashid), nor (Rashid) without (Zayed).” She stressed that naming children after the founding leaders is a great educational and patriotic responsibility, as these names are not just names, but symbols that carry the values of giving, wisdom, and love of the homeland, and she said that this always motivates her. She must be a role model for her children and instill these values in them from a young age so that they grow up proud of their name and their country.

She added that she feels proud and proud whenever her two children are called “Zayed” and “Rashid,” due to the connection between the two names and the great values ​​they carry, which increases her sense of pride as a mother.

As for the father of the twins, Ahmed Rajab, he spoke about the importance of instilling love of the homeland and the Emirati identity in the hearts of children from a young age, stressing that love of the homeland begins from the home and from a good example, by talking to them about the state’s achievements, participating in national celebrations, and teaching them the meaning of loyalty and belonging through daily actions and practices.

He stressed the importance of the family’s role in transmitting the values ​​of union and loyalty to the nation from generation to generation, explaining that “union is not just history, but a way of life that we live every day.”

He added: “I hope that when my children grow up, they will know that (Zayed) and (Rashid) made great efforts to build a prosperous country, and that the security and stability they enjoy today is the result of their wisdom and loyalty to their people.”

He pointed out that he hopes that his sons (Zayed) and (Rashid) will have an active role in serving their countries, and that they will grow up on the principle that true success is for those who contribute to the renaissance of their country, so that they may continue the path of the founding fathers.

Zayed Obaid Matar (20 years old) said: “Since my childhood, everyone has called me (Abu Khalifa), and I dream of having a son whom I will name (Khalifa), so that his name will be Khalifa bin Zayed, after a leader who left an unforgettable mark in the history of the Emirates.”

He explained that young people are capable of preserving the legacy of the founding leaders and the Union, through work, education, and commitment to values, stressing that preserving the legacy is not just words, but rather actions represented by diligent study, community service, and representing the UAE in the best way everywhere.

He expected that the future of the UAE would witness more prosperity based on innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, stressing that his role is to be part of this journey through science, ambition, and contributing to achieving the “Emirates Centennial Vision.”

His twin (Rashid) said that he is studying international relations, explaining that his choice of this major reflects his interest in communication, dialogue, and exchanging ideas, in addition to his love for this field.

He pointed out that this specialization is directly related to the UAE’s vision, which seeks to be a globally influential country that spreads peace, builds strategic partnerships, and supports regional and global stability.

He stressed that international relations are an essential element in achieving this vision, which is clearly evident in the relations that the UAE enjoys.

He added that he aspires to be a representative of the nation in the diplomatic field, to contribute to strengthening the UAE’s position internationally, and to be part of decision-making that supports peace and development regionally and globally.

Zayed Al-Mazmi:

• The name “Zayed” motivates me to help people and achieve dreams that raise the name of the Emirates high.

Rashid Al-Mazmi:

• Stories about Zayed and Rashid and their efforts to establish the union reinforced our love for the Emirates.