Father, teacher and leader

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan

We all know that a very few rulers are still remembered by their nations after they left this world, and one of the most great leaders is Sheikh Zayed (may God have mercy on him). He was a very loyal, faithful and a wise man, and because of that he became a beloved character not only in the UAE or in the Gulf, but also around the world.

Sheikh Zayed was born in Al Ain in the 3rd of November 1918, his mother was Sheikha Salma bint Butti, and over the time his eldest brother Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1928 after their uncle Saqr bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

(Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan)

 In 1966 he ruled Abu Dhabi after his brother Sheikh Shakhbut, and in 1971 he turned to be the first president of the UAE after the great union. During his ruling years, he was considered a relatively liberal ruler and a very kind and helpful father to all of us. Sheikh Zayed with his wisdom turned the UAE from a desert to a green paradise in a very short time, he loved palms and trees so much and he took care of agriculture, health care and educational facilities. 

On 2 November 2004, Sheikh Zayed had died at the age of 86 and he was buried in the courtyard of the new Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, then his eldest son Sheikh  Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became the ruler and continued his father's dream.