2 Powerful Leaders, 2 Precious Coins: UAE Central Bank’s Tribute to Zayed and Rashid

The UAE Central Bank has rolled out something special—a pair of commemorative coins, one gold and one silver, to honor two giants in the nation’s history: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. These coins aren’t just shiny keepsakes; they’re a nod to the vision and grit of the men who turned a dream of unity into the thriving United Arab Emirates we know today. Launched as part of the “Zayed and Rashid” campaign, this initiative is all about keeping their legacy alive and sparking pride in every Emirati heart. The Men Who Built a Nation Picture this: it’s 1971, and the Arabian Gulf is at a crossroads. The British are pulling out, leaving the Trucial States to chart their own course. Enter Sheikh Zayed, the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Rashid, the Ruler of Dubai. These two didn’t just talk about unity—they made it happen. On a February day in 1968, they met in the desert, shook hands, and set the wheels in motion for a federation that would become the UAE. By December 1971, after some tough negotiations, the United Arab Emirates was born, with Sheikh Zayed as its first President and Sheikh Rashid as a key architect. Sheikh Zayed, often called the Father of the Nation, had a knack for bringing people together. He used Abu Dhabi’s oil wealth to build schools, hospitals, and roads, lifting the entire region. Sheikh Rashid, meanwhile, had a vision for Dubai that turned it into a global hub for trade and tourism. Their partnership wasn’t just about