SimplyAbuDhabi XLIII

The third president of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is renowned for his vision and strategic thinking, playing a key role in shaping the UAE’s long-term goals and development plans. The Visionary Leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan T he royal family of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holds a position of great significance within Emirati history and society, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s identity, culture, and development. While the UAE became a nation in 1971, the ruling House of Nahyan dates back more than 200 years before that. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan may be just the third president in the UAE’s history, but the resonance of his royal lineage is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural fabric of the UAE. As a ruler, His Highness embodies a harmonious blend of tradition andmodernity, reflecting the belief that true leadership lies in empowering men and women to forge their own paths and shape the future of the nation. Servant leadership is a core principle, as evidenced in his daily interactions with citizens and residents, as well as through the Majlis – the assemblies of leaders, citizens and community members. What’s more, working alongside the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the rulers of the other emirates, His Highness has dedicated his life in service to advancing the UAE’s social, economic and cultural development with the goal of realizing a more secure, flourishing, and sustainable future for his country and people. Under his rule, the UAE stands proudly on the world stage as a key player in shaping the future. Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was born on March 11, 1961, in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, the third son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first President of the UAE, and the younger brother of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who succeeded their father as President of the UAE. Growing up under the watchful eye of his father and his mother, H. H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Sheikh Mohamed was educated at schools in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi until the age of 18. In 1979, he joined the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, later serving as Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces from 1993 to 2005 before assuming the role of Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. His Highness was named Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi from 2004 until 2022, and has served as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council since 2004. He was elected in May 2022 by the decision of their highnesses, the members of the Federal Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates. As President, Mohamed bin Zayed has been instrumental in diversifying the UAE’s economy, focusing on sectors beyond oil, such as technology, renewable energy, and tourism. His approach has been lauded as essential to sustainable economic growth for the nation. Under his leadership, the UAE has seen significant focus onmodernization and infrastructure development, including the evolution of smart cities, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, and advanced educational institutions. Simply Abu Dhabi | 55