Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan at the Elysee Palace on July 4, 1975.

Old footage of the United Arab Emirates’ late ruler Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan speaking candidly has been doing the rounds Friday – the country’s national day.

In the video, the late ruler – who was also known as the ‘Father of the Nation’ – is seen giving advice on the importance of education to raise employment for both the UAE’s male and female citizens.

“I encourage you and your sisters to study which will lead to employment. Because if a girl marries a certain kind of man and he is not necessarily wealthy and his salary could be small… if this girl, like you, has a job and salary, she will become his support,” Sheikh Zayed said in the undated video.

“This will help secure their living requirements and the needs of their children,” he added.

The late ruler is also seen in the video giving words of advice to newly-weds and suggesting not to waste resources and finance on lavish weddings.

“Instead of celebrating the wedding in hotels that take a lot of money, it can be done in a tent or two. Your workers could be used to cook. You can also get help from your neighbor,” he said.

The United Arab Emirates has been celebrating its 45th national day with a flurry of events across the country on Friday, December 2.

To mark the occasion, Al Arabiya English also spoke to Emirati nationals and expats about what the day means to them and how they are showing their love for the country.

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