The UAE yesterday bid farewell to one of its national figures, businessman Salem Ibrahim Al-Samani Al-Naimi, who passed away at the age of 88. Al-Samani Al-Naimi was a prominent figure who had the privilege of being close to the nation's founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, God rest his soul. Born in Ras Al Khaimah in 1938, he worked with his father in commerce from a young age, gaining extensive experience. He moved to Abu Dhabi in 1961 and was among the first to contribute to establishing the emirate's earliest departments and institutions. He also had the opportunity to meet the late Sheikh Zayed during his tenure as the Ruler's Representative in Al Ain. In his personal memoirs, published in a book titled 'Diary of a Lifetime,' Al-Samani Al-Naimi described Sheikh Zayed as not just a father, but his everything, noting his kindness and how he compensated for everything after he left his home and family in Ras Al Khaimah. He also spoke of his strong ties with Dubai's rulers, particularly the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, God rest his soul, whose council was open to everyone, regardless of their social standing or nationality. The late businessman also detailed his business dealings with Pan Am, for which he became an agent, and his relationship with General Motors. He was described as a humble, gentle man with high moral principles, and his speech was reminiscent of the early leaders, instilling a sense of calm, trust, and confidence. Beyond his economic contributions, Al-Samani Al-Naimi played a key role in documenting the UAE's history, the evolution of its way of life, and his relationships with its rulers through several publications, including 'Memoirs of Salem Al-Samani: The Memory of a Nation' and 'Diary of a Lifetime' (three parts).
