Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Born	1969 United Arab Emirates
Died	March 26, 2010(2010-03-26) (aged 41) Rabat, Morocco
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, government official
Known for	Managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)

Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (, 1969 – 26 March 2010) was a prominent Emirati entrepreneur and served as the managing director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

Early life and education

Born in 1969, Ahmed was one of the nineteen sons of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His mother was Mouza bint Suhail Al Khaili. Among his full siblings were four brothers, including Sheikh Saif and Sheikh Hamed. Ahmed completed his higher education at the United Arab Emirates University.

Career

In 1994, Sheikh Ahmed began his career at ADIA as an analyst specializing in European equities. By November 1997, he had advanced to become both managing director and a member of the board. During his leadership, he managed one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, overseeing extensive international investments. Following his passing, his brother Hamed bin Zayed took over the role of managing director at ADIA in April 2010.

Beyond his responsibilities at ADIA, Ahmed held the position of Interior Minister of the UAE in 2004 and was appointed Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance and Industry in 2007. He also chaired the board of trustees for the Zayed Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works and participated as a member of the Supreme Petroleum Council, playing a strategic role in the UAE's oil sector.

Alliances and influence

Sheikh Ahmed maintained a close relationship with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, dating back to Khalifa’s tenure as crown prince. In 2009, Forbes listed Sheikh Ahmed as the 27th most influential individual worldwide.

Death and funeral

On 26 March 2010, Sheikh Ahmed disappeared while piloting an ultralight aircraft during a training session in Morocco. The aircraft crashed into Lake Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah near Rabat, close to a residence belonging to the Al Nahyan family. His flight instructor, Spanish pilot Julio López, survived and was rescued. After a comprehensive multinational search effort, Sheikh Ahmed’s remains were discovered four days later on 30 March. He was aged 41.

His body was transported back to Abu Dhabi, where funeral rites took place on 31 March at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. He was laid to rest at Al Bateen cemetery.