Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was an iconic leader, remembered as the founding father and first president of the United Arab Emirates. He is known for uniting the seven emirates into one prosperous federation in 1971 and implementing extensive reforms, significantly improving the quality of life throughout the nation. Sheikh Zayed’s remarkable vision transformed once modest territories into an influential and thriving modern state, earning him widely respected recognition both regionally and globally.

Prior to becoming ruler and president, Sheikh Zayed served for nearly two decades as the representative of his brother, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in the eastern region around Al Ain, where he led significant initiatives for infrastructure development, improved healthcare, establishment of schools, and agricultural reform.

Sheikh Zayed was deeply passionate about poetry, especially Bedouin and Nabati verses, reflecting his strong cultural roots.

Sheikh Zayed was born on May 6, 1918, at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. The youngest son of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikha Salama bint Butti Al Qubaisi, he was named after his grandfather, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, a respected tribal leader. Sheikh Zayed received a traditional education, attending local Al-Kuttab schools where he acquired essential knowledge in Islamic teachings and mastery of the Arabic language.

His early years in Al Ain allowed him to develop an affinity for local tribes, gaining profound insights into tribal systems, which would later underpin his effective leadership.

Sheikh Zayed married multiple times and fathered 30 children. Among his wives were Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, and Sheikha Mouza bint Suhail Al Khaili. His family remains central to Emirati political and cultural life today.

– He strongly encouraged agriculture and environmental conservation, famously turning Al Ain into a lush green oasis.

– Sheikh Zayed played a pivotal role in the 1973 Arab oil embargo meant to challenge international political positions unfavorable to Arab interests.

– He was instrumental in establishing peaceful resolutions to border disputes, notably signing boundary agreements with Saudi Arabia.

– Sheikh Zayed heavily promoted education and healthcare reforms throughout his tenure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan passed away on November 2, 2004, leaving behind a notable legacy for the United Arab Emirates and the Arab world at large. His profound influence remains celebrated annually through events like UAE’s national day.

Sheikh Zayed had an extensive list of notable achievements, reflecting his influential leadership:

– In 1946, appointed as his brother Sheikh Shakhbut’s representative in Al Ain, initiating significant development projects and reforms.

– In August 1966, succeeded Sheikh Shakhbut as Abu Dhabi’s ruler; transformed the emirate into a contemporary state by investing heavily in modern infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public housing.

– Established the Emirates Union in 1971 alongside Dubai’s Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, unifying the seven emirates under the newly formed United Arab Emirates, and becoming its first elected president.

– Co-founded the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on May 25, 1981, and became its first president.

– Advocated major international environmental projects, recognized globally with accolades and honors including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) ‘Champions of the Earth’ award in 2005.

– Encouraged peaceful settlements internationally, including mediation during the Lebanese civil war, diplomatic efforts in Somalia, and involvement with peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.

Sheikh Zayed consistently placed emphasis on education and healthcare. In the 1950s, he established the first formal school in Al Ain—Al Nahyaniya School—and opened the area’s earliest hospitals and clinics. During the late 1960s to the beginnings of the federation, he also oversaw extensive investment efforts within Abu Dhabi, dramatically accelerating social and economic development.

His diplomatic skills were notably exemplified in border demarcation agreements, leading peaceful dialogues that cemented stable Gulf relations. Sheikh Zayed actively toured internationally in the 1950s to gain valuable political and economic knowledge, greatly influencing his later administrative policies.