His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected as second President of the United Arab Emirates , the state that was announced on the 2nd of December 1971 . He is also the sixteenth ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi , the largest of the seven emirates forming the Union .
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan came to be president of the federal state , and became the ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on the 3rd of November 2004 , succeeding to his father , Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan , who passed away on the 2nd of November 2004.

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa was born in 1948 , in the eastern region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi , and received his basic education in the city of Al Ain , the capital and the administrative center of the eastern region . His Highness is the elder son of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan . His mother is Her Highness Sheikha Hessa , daughter of Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , and H.H’s affiliation returns to his tribe , Bani Yas , the mother Tribe of most of the Arab tribes , which inhabited what is today known as the United Arab Emirates , and led an alliance of Arab tribes , known historically as the "Pact of Bani Yas" .

His Highness Sheikh khalifa has accompanied his father Sheikh Zayed’s march in all its stages . His first official position was "the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region and Chairman of the courts" , on September 18th 1966 . This position was of great importance in his life . On the other hand , when he lived in Al-Ain city , H.H. had the opportunity for a daily contact with the citizens , so that he could recognize their situations and needs , and identify their aspirations and hopes .

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa was appointed Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi on the first of February 1969 , and Head of the Defense Department , and therefore he became the commander of the armed forces of the emirate , and played a key role in its development , and converted it from a simple guard force to a strong multifunctional and well-equipped institution of the armed forces .

On the first of July 1971 , His Highness Sheikh Khalifa became the prime minister of the first Local Cabinet in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi , in addition to holding the Defense and Finance ministries in the Council .

After the announcement of the Federal State , and beside his local responsibilities , His Highness Sheikh Khalifa became Deputy Prime Minister in the Federal Government formed in December 1973 .

In February 1974 , after the abolition of the local cabinet , he became the first Head of the Executive Council , which replaced the local cabinet of the emirate in all its functions and responsibilities .

During his presidency of the Executive Council he supervised and watched the development and modernization projects all over the emirate , he also gave a great attention to the development and modernization of the infrastructure projects , facilities and services . He worked on building a modern and integrated administrative and legislative system , as a base for the economic and social development .

In addition to his responsibilities as the head of the Executive Council , His Highness took in 1976 the mission of establishing and heading The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) , which manages the financial investments of the emirate as a part of a strategic vision for the development of financial resources , and to maintain a stable source of income for future generations .

One of the key initiatives of His Highness that has left a profound social impact , was the creation of the Department of Social Services and commercial buildings , which was known among people as (Sheikh Khalifa Committee) . the activities of this department were translated into real actions and helped in the prosperity of the construction boom in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi .

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed occupied the position of the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Federal Government , in which he gave a careful attention and a growing interest in the armed forces , and during which , there had been a quantum leap in terms of equipment , training and capacity to adapt new technologies , and advanced techniques , that HIS Highness was strongly aware to provide , in all sectors of these forces .

It is highly appreciated , for His Highness , his contribution in the formulation of a military doctrine , derived from the constant beliefs of the high politics of the state, based on the policy of moderation , and non-interference in the affairs of others , and on the respect of mutual interests . Abiding by these constants , His Highness worked on the formation of a defense policy that is based on the maintenance of independence , sovereignty and interests of the state . This policy has contributed in positioning the UAE Armed Forces in an advanced position , that gained the respect of the world .

As soon as His Highness became the president of the UAE , he launched the first strategic plan for the Government of the United Arab Emirates . He also launched his initiative to develop the experience of the legislative authority , by modifying the way of selecting the members of the Federal National Council , through a combination of election and appointment as a first step , preparing for the ultimate selection of the Council members through direct elections . His Highness cares also about various sports activities in the State , especially football , and he is keen to look after them . He also cares to honor the local sports teams who have made contributions locally , regionally or internationally.