Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Born	(1918-05-06) May 6, 1918 Qasr al-Hosn, Abu Dhabi
Died	November 2, 2004(2004-11-02) (aged 86)
Occupation(s)	Leader, statesman, humanitarian
Years active	1946–2004
Known for	Founding father and first president of the United Arab Emirates

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (; 6 May 1918 – 2 November 2004) was a prominent Emirati leader, statesman, humanitarian, and the founding father of the United Arab Emirates. He administered the Eastern Region starting in 1946 and ascended to the rulership of Abu Dhabi in 1966. Subsequently, he became the inaugural president of the United Arab Emirates upon the nation's establishment on 2 December 1971, a position he held until his passing in 2004. Honored with the title Waalid al-Ummah ("Father of the Nation"), Zayed is widely recognized as the chief architect behind the UAE's formation.

Following a peaceful coup orchestrated by members of the ruling family and backed by British authorities, Zayed succeeded his elder brother Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan as Abu Dhabi’s ruler on 6 August 1966.

Family and early life

Zayed was the youngest among four sons born to Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, who governed Abu Dhabi from 1922 until 1926. His eldest sibling, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan, took over rulership from their uncle, Saqr bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their mother, Sheikha Salama bint Butti, extracted a vow from her sons to refrain from harming each other, a commitment they maintained. Sheikh Zayed was named in honor of his grandfather, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan ("Zayed the Great"), who ruled between 1855 and 1909. At his birth in 1918, Abu Dhabi was one of seven Trucial States situated along the Persian Gulf coastline. During his youth, he also cultivated an enthusiasm for falconry.

Born at Qasr al-Hosn in Abu Dhabi, Zayed relocated to Al Ain following his father’s death in 1926. Due to the absence of formal educational institutions along the coast at that time, he received fundamental Islamic teachings and lived among Bedouin tribesmen. This experience provided him with an intimate understanding of traditional Emirati life and essential survival skills suited for the challenging desert environment.

Career and reign

In 1946, Zayed was designated governor of Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Region, operating from the Muwaiji fort in Al Ain. The region was impoverished and frequently afflicted by disease outbreaks. When Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) commenced oil exploration activities, Zayed offered his support.

During the 'Buraimi Dispute' in 1952, Saudi forces occupied Hamasa within the Buraimi Oasis. Zayed opposed Saudi territorial claims and is said to have declined a £30 million bribe intended to permit Aramco oil exploration there. Alongside his brother Hazza, he testified at the Buraimi arbitration tribunal held in Geneva in 1955. After allegations surfaced regarding Saudi bribery leading to the tribunal’s collapse, British forces reasserted control over Buraimi through the Trucial Oman Levies. Following this stabilization, Zayed concentrated on local development projects, notably rehabilitating the falaj irrigation system that sustained Buraimi’s agricultural plantations.

The discovery of oil in 1958 and commencement of exports by 1962 generated dissatisfaction within Abu Dhabi’s ruling family due to Sheikh Shakhbut’s conservative fiscal policies. Consequently, family members sought British assistance to replace Shakhbut with Zayed through a non-violent coup. On 6 August 1966, Shakhbut was peacefully deposed with unanimous consent from the Al Nahyan family and British endorsement. Shakhbut accepted this outcome and subsequently relocated to Bahrain, later residing in Iran and Buraimi.

In the late 1960s, Zayed commissioned Japanese architect Katsuhiko Takahashi to develop an urban master plan for Abu Dhabi. Under Zayed's guidance, Takahashi introduced expansive roadways, waterfront corniches, significant public buildings, and initiatives aimed at greening the city. After Takahashi’s departure, Egyptian architect Abdulrahman Makhlouf continued implementing these urban development projects.

Between 8–11 January 1968, UK Foreign Office Minister Goronwy Roberts declared Britain’s intention to withdraw its military presence from the Trucial States. Subsequently, on 18 February 1968, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Dubai agreed to establish a Federation designed to ensure political stability following British withdrawal.

Following deliberations among all seven rulers, the United Arab Emirates was officially formed in 1971. Zayed assumed its presidency and was re-elected four times up until 1991.

In 1974, Zayed settled a border disagreement with Saudi Arabia through the signing of the Treaty of Jeddah, which granted Saudi Arabia access to the Shaybah oilfield and southern parts of the Persian Gulf in exchange for formal recognition of the UAE.

In 1976, he established the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which evolved into one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds by 2020, managing assets approaching nearly one trillion US dollars.

Attitudes

Sheikh Zayed was dedicated to the unification of the Emirates into a single federation and promoted cooperation throughout the Persian Gulf region, including with Iran. He supported dialogue as a means to settle the conflict over three key islands in the Persian Gulf, which Iran had taken from the (future) UAE Emirate of Sharjah in 1971. Despite persistent diplomatic efforts by the UAE over many years, these islands remain under Iranian administration.

His diplomatic style toward neighboring countries is illustrated by his handling of the "Umm al Zamul" dispute in 1964, where he advised his brother Sheikh Shakhbut to accept a neutral zone arrangement. He prioritized practical solutions over territorial claims, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s abundant oil wealth as a factor.

During discussions between Abu Dhabi and Dubai that led to the formation of the Abu Dhabi–Dubai Union, Sheikh Zayed demonstrated considerable magnanimity toward Sheikh Rashid of Dubai by granting substantial oil extraction rights in the seabed—potentially generating millions annually—even though it sparked domestic criticism. These concessions were deliberate strategic compromises aimed at fostering union unity and are regarded as exemplary acts of statesmanship.

Zayed was regarded as a comparatively liberal ruler, allowing private media operations under anticipated self-regulation and permitting religious tolerance alongside some cultural freedoms for expatriates, despite occasional tensions with broader Arab expectations for a Muslim leader.

He was vocal on regional matters, notably calling for the removal of UN economic sanctions on Iraq following its invasion of Kuwait in 1990, despite opposition from Kuwait itself.

Ranked among the world's wealthiest individuals, Forbes estimated his net worth at approximately US$20 billion in 2004, primarily due to Abu Dhabi’s substantial oil reserves—constituting roughly one-tenth of global proven reserves. In 1988, he purchased Tittenhurst Park in Berkshire as his residence in England.

Policies and charity

Following the British military withdrawal from the Persian Gulf in 1971, Zayed founded the Abu Dhabi Fund for Arab Economic Development, directing oil-generated revenues to support nearly forty less affluent Islamic nations across Asia and Africa.

In 1970, he contributed £50,000 to British politician Christopher Mayhew for establishing an Arab Friendship Foundation and £40,000 to Margaret McKay for creating a cultural center dedicated to Arab students. Utilizing vast oil wealth, Zayed invested heavily in constructing hospitals, educational institutions, and universities that provided free services to UAE nationals. He established the Al Nahyaneia Model School in 1959—the first formal school in Al Ain. Additionally, he donated millions of pounds to initiatives throughout the Arab world and internationally.

When questioned by The New York Times in 1997 about the lack of an elected legislative body, Zayed highlighted a governance model grounded in religious principles that fulfilled his people's needs and encouraged open communication without adopting Western political frameworks.

Land was frequently distributed at no cost, benefiting many landless families while also allocating substantial plots to prominent clans allied with the royal family. His majlis (consultative council) remained accessible to the public. Zayed authorized construction of religious facilities for non-Muslims and advocated for women's access to education and employment within traditional boundaries, reflecting a more progressive outlook than other leaders within the GCC.

In 1981, Zayed co-established the Dar Al-Maal Al-Islami Trust alongside Saudi royal Mohammed bin Faisal Al Saud. After severe flooding struck Yemen's Ma'rib Governorate in 1982, he funded the rebuilding of the current Marib Dam in 1984 to enhance agricultural productivity and economic resilience. This initiative also honored historical connections, as Ma'rib is believed to be linked to his ancestors' migration into what is now the UAE.

Zayed Centre

The controversy surrounding the Zayed Centre's perspectives prompted Harvard Divinity School to return Sheikh Zayed's $2.5 million contribution in 2000, referring to it as "tainted money." In 2001, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter received the Zayed International Prize for the Environment, which included a $500,000 award from the Centre; Carter highlighted its importance due to his close personal relationship with Sheikh Zayed.

Comparable concerns emerged when the London School of Economics accepted a substantial donation from the Zayed Centre in 2008 to construct a lecture hall, subsequently named the Sheikh Zayed Theatre, ranking as the second largest facility on campus.

Following adverse media attention related to these incidents, Sheikh Zayed decided to close the Centre in August 2003, stating that it had engaged in discussions inconsistent with the ideals of interfaith harmony.

Death

Sheikh Zayed passed away on 2 November 2004 at the age of 86, after battling diabetes and kidney complications. He was interred at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. His eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who had gradually assumed more governmental roles since the 1980s, succeeded him as Abu Dhabi's Ruler and was officially recognized as President of the UAE by the Supreme Council.

Memorials and legacy

• Zayed University, a government-funded higher education institution with campuses located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• Shaikh Zayed University situated in Khost, Afghanistan, established with support from Sheikh Zayed.
• Sheikh Zayed City near Greater Cairo, Egypt, developed through funding provided by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development under Sheikh Zayed’s guidance.
• The Zayed International Prize for the Environment and the Zayed Future Energy Prize are named in his honor.
• Kukës International Airport "Zayed-Flatrat e Veriut" in Kukës, Albania, bears his name.
• Shaikh Zayed International Airport located in Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan, commemorates him.
• Shaikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan, is dedicated to his memory.
• Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's Mosque (Stockholm Mosque) in Sweden is named after him.
• The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Surakarta, Indonesia, modeled after its Abu Dhabi counterpart.
• A lecture hall at the London School of Economics carries his name.
• A Hafiz School in Gudermes, Chechen Republic, is named after him.
• The Sheikh Zayed Arab Falconry Heritage Wing at The World Center of Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho, was established through a donation from his son Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
• The dam located in Ma'rib is referred to as "Zayed Dam."
• Zayed Town in Central Bahrain was financed by Sheikh Zayed; its initial phase opened in 2001.
• A street in Montenegro was named to honor him in 2013.
• Shaikh Zayed Hospitals for children and women are situated in Larkana and Lahore, Pakistan.
• The fifth ring road in Kuwait carries the name of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
• The Sheikh Zayed Tower at Johns Hopkins Hospital is named after him.
• Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Vushtrri, Kosovo, honors his legacy.
• The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC.
• The Sheikh Zayed Professorship of Cardiovascular Diseases at Mayo Clinic bears his name.
• The Sheikh Zayed Children Welfare Centre, which supports orphaned children in Mombasa, Kenya.

Year of Zayed

On 6 August 2017, the Emirates News Agency announced that Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, proclaimed 2018 as the Year of Zayed in tribute to his father, Sheikh Zayed. This declaration commemorated the 100th anniversary of Sheikh Zayed’s birth and coincided with the 51st year since he assumed leadership of Abu Dhabi, following Sheikh Shakbut.

Founder's Memorial

The Founder's Memorial was officially opened in Abu Dhabi in 2018, during the Year of Zayed. The site includes a Heritage Garden and a Sanctuary Garden, which together surround The Constellation, an artistic installation honoring Sheikh Zayed’s enduring legacy.

Marriage and children

Zayed bin Sultan entered into seven marriages and fathered 19 sons. Among his notable offspring are:

{{Children |name=Shamma bint Zayed Al Nahyan |lifespan= |}

{{Children |name=Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan |lifespan=(1969–26 March 2010) |} {{Children |name=Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan |lifespan= |} {{Children |name=Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Afra bint Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Issa bin Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Nasser bin Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Rawdha bint Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Salama bint Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Dhiyab bin Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Latifa bint Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Mouza bint Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Wadeema bint Zayed Al Nahyan |} {{Children |name=Sheikha bint Zayed Al Nahyan |}

See also

• Champions of the Earth, an award granted in 2005 by the United Nations Environment Programme

External links

• Farewell Arabia (1968) – Zayed and the Oil Industry in Abu Dhabi
• Official website dedicated to Sheikh Zayed
• CooperativeResearch profile – Zayid bin Sultan Al Nahyan
• UAE’s official tribute to Sheikh Zayed
• Sheikh Zayed lecture theatre at the London School of Economics