Shaikh Zayid Bin Sultan saw his accession to the leadership of Abu Dhabi as an opportunity to translate his principles into action and carry forward his vision of unity, progress and development. He did not conceive his position of Ruler as the culmination of his political career, but rather as a platform from which to serve the people of Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, as projects began to transform the emirate and prosperity grew, it set the stage for his grand design to bring about greater regional unity and integration so that the benefits of progress could extend to all.

For Shaikh Zayid, the concept of unity possessed a strong moral dimension and was never a matter of mere political convenience. In his view, unity was a philosophical principle underlying the wholeness and integrity of human existence. It was like a river, swelling and gathering strength from different sources as it flowed. Shaikh Zayid saw it as axiomatic that political divisions should be broken down and that one by one the barriers to human progress – poverty, disease, lack of education – should be conquered. Division and fragmentation were a source of social weakness, and he believed wholeheartedly that a united Federation could achieve more than fragmented states. This broad vision was always implicit when Shaikh Zayid spoke of unity. The establishment of the United Arab Emirates as a sovereign, independent state was the first step in a more inclusive union. While the UAE Federation was to be based on strong ethical as well as political principles, it was to be followed by greater regional integration and cooperation in the Gulf, and firmer relations with the whole Arab world.