His Excellency Maj. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), received Mr. Suhail Al Bastaki, Director of the Happiness and Marketing Department at Union Coop. The meeting discussed cooperation between the GDRFA and Union Coop and methods of joining forces to celebrate the Year of Zayed 2018. This initiative follows the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, regarding the preparations for Year of Zayed 2018. 2018 celebrates the centennial of the birth of the founding father late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and commemorate his achievements and heritage.

Both parties stressed on their commitment to take part in the Year of Zayed by launching new campaigns and initiatives that reflect the love and loyalty of the Emirati people for the founding father. The initiative also represents a unique opportunity for relaying Sheikh Zayed noble message of building and giving for the UAE, and instilling these values in the new generation.
At the end of the meeting, the two sides exchanged commemorative plaques.