SimplyAbuDhabi XLIII

On a global scale, he has led the UAE to its current position as a strong and capable military, contributing to regional stability and security, while launching various humanitarian initiatives and foreign aid projects, providing assistance to countries in need. His Highness has been active in diplomatic efforts, fostering relations with other nations and playing an increasingly significant role in regional and international affairs. He has demonstrated throughout his entire public career that he is committed to collaborating to solve challenges facing humanity. While undoubtedly a global leader, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is equally devoted to causes with local resonance. Notably, he has championed education in the UAE, determined to provide national educational institutions with the latest state-of-the-art technology and know-how to keep pace with the rapid and multi-faceted changes taking place globally across all fronts. He has also been instrumental in allowing the creative arts to flourish, helping to launch the Louvre and Guggenheim museums in Abu Dhabi, thereby making the UAE a global centre of art and culture while celebrating and preserving local heritage for future generations. It comes as no surprise then, that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is a man of many and varied interests and accomplishments. He is well known for his passion for hunting and falconry, a love which was passed on to him by his father, and he also maintains a deep interest in poetry, especially that of the Nabati style which is native to the region. He regularly sponsors poetry competitions and other events and demonstrates commitment to cultural, artistic, literary and innovation-based initiatives in the community. Sheikh Mohamed also follows a number of sports in the UAE and regularly meets Emirati sportsmen and women to recognise their achievements. His Highness is also a devoted family man, having married Her Highness Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Nahyan in 1981, and they have 11 children, including two adopted daughters, and 18 grandchildren. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed always seeks to strengthen the spirit of fraternity among everyone in the region and the world. With an insightful vision and determination, he continues to succeed in extending bridges of communication and peace with all leaders and peoples of the world, promoting a culture of tolerance and advancing the causes of education, sustainable growth, and fraternity. Simply Abu Dhabi | 57