Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XIX

3 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The beginnings of a remarkable life T he man who would someday become the father of his nation was born into a legacy of leadership in 1918. The fourth and youngest son of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa, the 14th ruler of theAl Nahyan family, the child was named after his esteemed grandfather, known as the Great Zayed, who from 1855 to 1909 was the governor of the Emirate ofAbu Dhabi. When Sheikh Zayed was four years of age, in 1922, his father Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed became the leader of the tribe and ruler of Abu Dhabi. Revered for his tolerance, bravery and wisdom, the elder Sheikh ruled until 1926, building strong relationships with other Arab nations during his tenure. Although the boy was just nine years old when his father passed away, he undoubtedly learned from his father’s example and inherited his gift for uniting people in the spirit of peace. Young Sheikh Zayed spent his formative years in the historically significant Al Hosn Fort, in the heart of Abu Dhabi, for many years the permanent residence of the reigning sheikh. Although he was born into the ruling family, it’s important to remember that life was very simple then, even for the son of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed. The emirate was still poor and undeveloped, and the harshness of the climate made for challenging circumstances. Transport was mainly via camel or boat, and the economy centred around fishing, pearl diving and what agriculture could be sustained on the inland oases.