Simply Abu Dhabi II

24 SIMPLY ABU DHABI STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Today the UAE enjoys a visionary leadership under its new President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (born 25 January 1948 in Al Muwaiji Fort, Al Ain; referred to as Sheikh Khalifa) is the current President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and emir of Abu Dhabi. He replaced his father Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, just a day after his death, on 3 November 2004. It is clear from his Presidential style that he was very close to the leadership of his late father and has been inspired by his example. When the late President passed peacefully, it was natural that his son and Crown Prince became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. His confirmation as the new leader signalled to the people of the UAE that as an historic era of the foundation of the state came to its close, during which an ambitious vision was achieved, a new era had arrived. His leadership role has seen him come to the fore in a new stage of development for the UAE that will witness the empowerment of his nation as it strives for excellence and its emergence on the global scene as a major world player. Promoting prosperity for all Sheikh Khalifa received his early education in the sole school that had been built in Al Ain by his father at that time. His father had a strong belief that the best kind of education is received in public majalis – daily congregations that take place in the presence of a ruler or senior tribal leader. Sheikh Khalifa benefitted from two such public councils and working closely with the tribes, he developed their ethos and characteristics and acquired first rate management and communication skills that are apparent in his political leadership today. From an early age Shiekh Zayed instilled in his son values of responsibility and trust and so Shiekh Khalifa has followed in his father’s footsteps with unique characteristics inspired by his father’s modest and open management style. Fully dedicated to bringing prosperity and progress to his people, Sheikh Khalifa respects those who work with him, giving them flexibility to take the initiative, skilfully maintaining their trust and motivating them to achieve greatness. He cares greatly for the environment and works tirelessly to preserve the heritage of his country. Looking back on his education, Sheikh Khalifa especially acknowledged how the closeness to his charismatic father trained and influenced him in a way no school education could: “My father is my teacher. I learn something from him every day, follow his path and absorb from him his values, and the need for patience and prudence in all things.” (1990) Only eighteen years old, Sheikh Khalifa was appointed representative of the Eastern Region in 1966 when Sheikh Zayed became Ruler of Abu Dhabi Emirate and consequently moved to Abu Dhabi City. In Al Ain Sheikh Khalifa continued the development projects, especially restoring the underground watering systems and digging new wells. Establishing himself as the main executive leader of his late father’s government, he was appointed as Abu Dhabi Crown Prince in 1969 and later the first Prime Minister of the Abu Dhabi government, also taking care of the defence and financing sectors to establish their infrastructures and services for the Emirate. When the United Arab Emirates were founded in 1971, and new challenges arose for the young country’s rulership, Sheikh Khalifa assumed the position of Deputy Prime Minister in the first federal cabinet. In 1974 the local cabinet of Abu Dhabi Emirate was replaced by the Executive Council as the executive entity for the local government, and Sheikh Khalifa was its first president. Two years later his role in the defense sector of the country became more pivotal with his promotion to Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. As such he focused on military training and equipment in order to establish an optimised defensive capability for the nation. Another important post was the chairmanship of the Supreme Petroleum Council, which Sheikh Khalifa assumed in the late 1980’s. The development of the UAE’s downstream petrochemicals and industrial complex at Ruwais, as part of wide reaching programme for the country’s economic diversification, was one of Sheikh Khalifa’s key concerns. As right hand of his father and following Sheikh Zayed’s example of leadership, Sheikh Khalifa opened his house to all people wishing to meet him in order to discuss their worries and problems with utter eagerness and honesty as well as a sense of responsibility. This closeness to his people is reflected in his notable concern for social aid and various support programmes originated in personal encounters and a constantly open ear to people’s concerns. Following his unanimous election as President by the Supreme Federal Council to replace his late father, Sheikh Khalifa has continued to lead the country on a path towards prosperity. Guided by his father’s principles in his first National Day address, in December 2004, he pledged that he would continue to work to serve the citizens of the state. True to his word, early in his term, in April 2005, he authorized a 100% salary increase for employees of the state highlighting his commitment to prosperity for his people. Following his election as President, Sheikh Khalifa has shown great consideration for people throughout the country, especially in remote areas. In December 2005, Shaikh Khalifa outlined plans to reform the structure of government to give a more important role to the Federal National Council so it could deal effectively with issues that concern the country and to introduce citizens to the concept of Shura – democracy. He also urged the country’s youth to learn more about their history and heritage and pledged himself to devote all necessary resources to the development of the UAE’s human capital. In early 2007 he ordered Dh 1.5 billion to be spent in a first phase of a programme to provide services to remote areas in the northern emirates, including health, education, housing, roads, electricity and water supplies. He has also worked in other areas to build much needed hospitals and housing. He is passionate about continuing the work of his father who devoted his life to build the country and to provide good living conditions to both Emiratis and residents. AWorld class leader Abu Dhabi’s policy agenda sets out a vision for the overall development of the country that ensures the welfare of its citizens. Programmes have been set in motion to develop an open economy that provides the best services in education, health and developed infrastructure within a legislative environment. The emirate’s strategy documents give equal importance to developing a transparent and efficient government to ensure the implementation of plans with a high-level of effectiveness and coordination, and to make use of all the country’s potential and resources, including the participation of the private sector, both locally and internationally. The country’s security, its international relations, safeguarding its environment, and promoting its heritage and culture remain cornerstones of the UAE’s vision. Sheikh Khalifa is committed to consolidating a political system based on consultation, justice and security, which enables all men and women to actively and positively participate in running their country. Under his leadership the Government have been instrumental in launching new programmes and legislation to support culture, family development, education and health as an integral development project. Since his highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayan became President of the United Emirates in 2004, the country has embarked on a well considered drive to continue the great progressive work carried out in previous years under the leadership of the founder of the state, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Everywhere we go in Abu Dhabi there are reminders of the spirit of Sheikh Zayed and we have huge admiration for the way in which Sheikh Khalifa is following in the footsteps of such a wonderful leader. Sheikh Khalifa is renowned for his passion in sports that are traditional to the UAE including horse and camel racing. He is held in high esteem as a pro-Western innovator. Thanks to his vision and leadership he has created peace and prosperity and A&J would like to extend to him our own personal gratitude for this status quo as we have fully enjoyed the benefits of this ordered society during our incredible stay in Abu Dhabi and the many excursions and activities we have been fortunate enough to experience during this time.