Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, second President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, was a visionary leader whose vision shaped the Emirates of today. Born in 1948 in Al Muwaiji Fort, Al Ain, he was the eldest son of the UAE’s founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
From a young age, Sheikh Khalifa was groomed for leadership. In 1966, he was appointed the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi and President of the Al Ain Courts. His early role focused on improving living standards and local governance in Al Ain, setting the stage for his administrative and diplomatic acumen.
By 2004, after the death of his father, Sheikh Khalifa was elected President of the UAE and guided the country into a period of infrastructure development, economic diversification, and humanitarian leadership. His period in office was notable for programs such as the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and significant global collaborations that reinforced the UAE’s global presence.
Sheikh Khalifa’s legacy still echoes throughout the Emirates, remembered for his humility, development-oriented policies, and strong devotion to his people. His leadership not only respected the groundwork laid by his father but also led the UAE to international prominence.
