President of the United Arab Emirates (1971–2004)

The Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

The Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was born in Abu Dhabi in 1918. He was the youngest son of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922 to 1926.

Growing up in an authentic Bedouin environment deeply influenced Sheikh Zayed’s character, instilling in him values of humility, wisdom, and balance. He was taught by the Mutawa, most notably Abdullah bin Ghanem, who instructed him in reading and writing, arithmetic, and memorization of the Holy Qur’an. The traditional majlis also played a crucial role in shaping his personality, where he absorbed the values, customs, and traditions of his people.

Between 1946 and 1966, Sheikh Zayed served as the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain, where he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of its residents. He oversaw numerous projects, including the construction of aflaj (irrigation canals), the support of oil exploration, the protection of the environment, and the establishment of the first school in Al Muwaiji in 1956, followed by Al Nahyaniya School in 1959 — the first formal school in Al Ain and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

In 1966, Sheikh Zayed assumed leadership of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, a position he held until 2004. During his reign, Abu Dhabi underwent remarkable transformation. He directed the emirate’s accession to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1967 and to the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) in 1970. In 1971, he approved the establishment of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the first national oil company in the UAE. Guided by his vision for sustainable prosperity, Sheikh Zayed also founded the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) to manage the emirate’s financial investments and ensure long-term stability.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan

With the establishment of the Union in 1971 — a goal he had long envisioned as essential for nation-building — Sheikh Zayed was unanimously elected as the first President of the United Arab Emirates. His pursuit of unity was neither spontaneous nor circumstantial; rather, it stemmed from his deep conviction that strength and progress could only be achieved through cooperation and solidarity. In 1968, as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, he and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, signed the historic union agreement in Al Samih, near the border between the two emirates.

On December 1, 1971, the treaties between the Trucial States and the British government were annulled, and on the following day — December 2, 1971 — the United Arab Emirates was officially established, with Sheikh Zayed as its first President. That same year, the UAE joined both the Arab League and the United Nations, solidifying its position within the regional and international community.

Driven by his firm belief in cooperation and unity, Sheikh Zayed played a leading role in the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The organization’s founding charter was signed by the six Gulf states during the first GCC summit, held in Abu Dhabi in 1981. Sheikh Zayed was also a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, appointing the first female minister in the history of the UAE — a groundbreaking step that reflected his commitment to equality and inclusion.

Sheikh Zayed’s reign was characterized by tireless efforts to build the foundations of the nation and elevate its standing globally. His leadership earned him widespread respect and numerous international honors, including the Man of the Year Award for Environment and Sustainable Development (1993) and the International Panda Gold Certificate (1997), in recognition of his vision for environmental stewardship and sustainable progress.

On November 2, 2004 (19 Ramadan 1425 AH), Sheikh Zayed passed away at the age of 86. His passing marked the end of an era, yet his legacy continues to live on — deeply rooted in the hearts of his people, reflected in the governance and leadership of the UAE, and embodied in the nation’s achievements. His legacy remains a guiding light for future generations, a testament to the extraordinary legacy of a great leader.