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Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

From Alfawiki
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Born (1948-09-07) 7 September 1948 (age 78)
Qasr Al-Muwaiji, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi (Trucial States)
Died13 May 2022(2022-05-13) (aged 73)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Occupation(s)Politician, ruler
Years active1966–2022
Known forSecond president of the United Arab Emirates, ruler of Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (; 7 September 1948 – 13 May 2022) served as the second president of the United Arab Emirates and was the sovereign of Abu Dhabi.

As the eldest son of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's inaugural president, Khalifa assumed numerous presidential responsibilities from the late 1990s due to his father's declining health. He ascended to the rulership of Abu Dhabi on 2 November 2004 and was elected as the UAE president the following day. During his tenure, Abu Dhabi became home to significant cultural and educational establishments such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, New York University Abu Dhabi, and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, alongside founding Etihad Airways.

Throughout Khalifa’s presidency, the UAE solidified its position as a regional economic leader, with notable expansion in sectors beyond oil. Known as a pro-Western reformist with a discreet leadership style, he reinforced diplomatic relations with both the United States and Israel. In response to the 2008 financial crisis, he authorized substantial bailout funds for Dubai, leading to the renaming of Dubai’s Burj Dubai as the Burj Khalifa in 2010 in his honor.

Following a stroke in January 2014, Khalifa significantly curtailed his public engagements but retained formal authority. The daily governance of Abu Dhabi and federal matters were handled by his half-brother, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In 2018, Forbes recognized Khalifa among the globe’s most influential individuals. He passed away on 13 May 2022 and was succeeded by Mohamed bin Zayed.

Early life and education

Born on 7 September 1948 at Qasr Al-Muwaiji, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi (then part of the Trucial States), Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed was the firstborn son of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Hassa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan. His formative years were predominantly spent in Al Ain.

His initial schooling involved traditional Islamic instruction under Sheikh Thani Bin Ahmed. With limited access to formal education during the 1950s, his father arranged for Mohammed Bin Rashid Altamimi, an experienced tutor from Muscat, to lead a modest school in Muwaiji established by Sheikh Zayed around 1956. Subsequently, Khalifa and his siblings attended Al Nahyaneia Model School between 1960 and 1961 before progressing to Alfalah school. He completed his military education at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

In addition to academic pursuits, Sheikh Khalifa regularly participated in his father’s Majlis sessions, gaining practical insights into governance and political affairs that prepared him for future leadership. He also cultivated an enthusiasm for traditional sports such as horse and camel racing.

Representative ruler and crown prince: 1966–1971

Upon his father's accession as emir of Abu Dhabi in 1966, Khalifa was designated ruler's representative for Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Region and led the Courts Department in Al Ain. This role was eventually reassigned to Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.

On 1 February 1969, he was appointed crown prince of Abu Dhabi and took charge of the Abu Dhabi Department of Defense the next day. He directed the establishment and growth of the Abu Dhabi Defense Force, which formed the foundation of the UAE Armed Forces after 1971.

Tenure as Deputy Prime Minister: 1973–1977

Following the establishment of the UAE in 1971, Khalifa assumed several vital positions within Abu Dhabi, notably leading the Abu Dhabi Cabinet. After a cabinet reorganization, he was appointed as the nation's second deputy prime minister on 23 December 1973 and subsequently became the chairman of Abu Dhabi's Executive Council on 20 January 1974.

In March 1976, Khalifa played a pivotal role in founding the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), serving as its inaugural head to oversee the emirate’s investment portfolio aimed at ensuring sustainable revenue streams. Two months later, in May 1976, he took on the role of deputy commander of the UAE Armed Forces. By the late 1980s, he chaired the Supreme Petroleum Council, thereby exerting considerable influence over national energy strategies. Additionally, he led the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency.

Khalifa also initiated significant development projects in 1981 by creating the Abu Dhabi Department of Social Services and Commercial Building along with the Khalifa Housing Fund, both designed to promote residential and commercial infrastructure growth across Abu Dhabi.

Presidency: 2004–2022

On 3 November 2004, Khalifa succeeded his father, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, becoming both emir of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE. Prior to this official succession, he had been performing presidential duties during his father's period of illness.

On 1 December 2005, he declared that half of the Federal National Council (FNC) members would be selected through indirect elections, while the remaining half would continue to be appointed by leaders from each emirate.

Khalifa was reaffirmed as president through elections held in 2009, 2014, and again in 2019.

A U.S. diplomatic cable from 2010 described him as somewhat reserved and lacking charisma but acknowledged his consistent endorsement of American involvement to maintain Gulf stability.

In March 2011, under his directive, the UAE Air Force participated in NATO-led military operations in Libya aimed at overthrowing Muammar Gaddafi. During the same year’s pro-democracy protests in Bahrain, he assured full support from the UAE government.

By 2011, Khalifa was considered among the wealthiest monarchs globally, with an estimated net worth of $15 billion. In 2013, he commissioned Azzam, recognized as the world’s longest private motor yacht at 590 feet in length, valued between $400 million and $600 million.

Following a stroke in January 2014 and subsequent surgery after which he was reported stable, Khalifa made only rare public appearances. Consequently, his brother, the crown prince, effectively took over leadership responsibilities due to Khalifa’s declining health.

During his presidency in February 2022, under his leadership, the UAE formally established normalized diplomatic relations with Israel and entered into collaborative agreements focusing on tourism and healthcare sectors.

Personal Life

Khalifa was the eldest son of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Hassa bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, serving as his father’s principal representative.

He married Shamsa bint Suhail Al Mazrouei on October 18, 1964. Together they had eight children who forged strong internal alliances within the Al Nahyan family through marriage:

  • Sultan bin Khalifa al Nahyan is married to Sheikha bint Saif al Nahyan; they have six children.
  • Mohammed bin Khalifa al Nahyan wed a daughter of the late Sultan bin Zayed al Nahyan; they have three sons.
  • Sheikha bint Khalifa al Nahyan is married to Hamad bin Tahnoun al Nahyan; they have six children.
  • Osha bint Khalifa al Nahyan is united with Sultan bin Hamdan al Nahyan; they have seven children.
  • Mouza bint Khalifa al Nahyan is married to Khalifa bin Saif al Nahyan; they have eight children.
  • Salama bint Khalifa al Nahyan is wed to Mansour bin Tahnoun al Nahyan; their family includes four children.
  • Latifa bint Khalifa al Nahyan married Diyab bin Tahnoun al Nahyan in 2012; they have three children.
  • Shamma bint Khalifa al Nahyan is married to Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed al Nahyan; they are parents to three sons.

Investments and foreign assistance

From 1995 to 2010, Sheikh Khalifa allocated $2 million to acquire more than 66 acres on Mahé, the principal island of Seychelles, where a palace was subsequently erected. The UAE contributed considerable aid to Seychelles, including a $130 million package aimed at enhancing social services and supplying military equipment for anti-piracy operations. In 2008, the UAE provided an additional $30 million loan to assist the financially struggling Seychelles government.

The land for the palace was purchased in 2005 at a cost of $500,000. Although initial development plans faced rejection, President James Michel's cabinet overturned these decisions despite concerns related to potential water supply hazards. Environmental complications emerged in 2010 when sewage from the construction site contaminated nearby areas, impacting more than 8,000 residents. The construction firm Ascon was penalized with an $81,000 fine for breaching regulations. Sheikh Khalifa’s office committed $15 million toward improving the local water system infrastructure, while Ascon agreed to provide compensation to the affected families.

The UAE's humanitarian efforts have been channeled through the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, which has delivered substantial aid. In August 2015 alone, it shipped 3,000 tonnes of food and essential supplies to Yemen; by the end of that month, total deliveries had reached 7,800 tonnes, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Since 2015, the UAE has pledged $110 million in humanitarian assistance specifically targeted at Socotra.

In April 2016, Sheikh Khalifa appeared in the Panama Papers released by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, reportedly owning luxury properties in London valued at over $1.7 billion through shell companies registered in the British Virgin Islands.

Death

Sheikh Khalifa passed away on 13 May 2022 at the age of 73 and was interred at Al Bateen Cemetery in Abu Dhabi. His half-brother, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, succeeded him as Abu Dhabi’s ruler and was elected president of the UAE the following day.

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced a national mourning period lasting 40 days, during which flags were flown at half-mast, and private and public sector work was suspended for three days. Several Arab League nations also observed state mourning: Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman, Mauritania, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, and the Maldives declared three days of mourning with flags lowered. Jordan observed mourning for 40 days; Kuwait also kept flags at half-mast for 40 days. Saudi Arabia instituted a three-day mourning period and postponed recreational and sporting activities. Pakistan declared three days of mourning with flags at half-mast. Brazil observed three days; Algeria two days; Palestine one day; India one day starting from 14 May; Bangladesh one day; and Cuba one day on 17 May.

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque

In honour of Sheikh Khalifa's enduring impact, one of the U.A.E.'s largest mosques was established in Al Ain and officially inaugurated on 12 April 2021.

Domestic

International

See also

External links

  • Biography of U.A.E. President
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