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Known as the Father of the Nation for his role in forming the United Arab Emirates, the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the first President of the UAE. He served in this position since the formation of the UAE on 2 December 1971 until he passed away in 2004. He also served as the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi from 1966 to 2004. Born in the city of Al Ain, Sheikh Zayed was the youngest of the four sons of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, from 1922 to 1926.

Sheikh Zayed was a good listener and an unbiased dispute mediator. He was also renowned for his patience, vision and wisdom, qualities that earned him the title of 'the wise man of the Arabs.' He ensured that all UAE citizens were involved in the nation's collective success. His vision led the UAE becoming the GCC's second-biggest economy after Saudi Arabia and the third-largest in the Middle East, according to many international major reports, as well as the most important financial and economic centre in the region. The process of establishing the Federation started with the late Sheikh Zayed paving the way for unity to ensure the Trucial States' survival and eventually establish a federal authority when faced with serious threats.

On 16 January 1968, after the announcement of Great Britain’s withdrawal from east of Suez and the Gulf, Sheikh Zayed established closer ties with the other emirates. He went immediately to Dubai to discuss the next steps with the then Ruler of Dubai, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Finally, on 18 February 1968, both Sheikhs agreed on a federation. They envisioned a Federation that would include the seven emirates that made up the Trucial States and Qatar and Bahrain.

Three and a half years later, with the end of British withdrawal, Sheikh Zayed again engaged Sheikh Rashid and the other Rulers in the Trucial States in decisive discussions, which determined the vital role of the UAE. Sheikh Zayed's enthusiasm was a critical factor in the formation of the UAE, he also won support for  the way he sought consensus and agreement among his fellow Rulers.

Eventually, six Emirates, except Ras Al Khaimah, followed Sheikh Zayed united to establish the UAE, which formally emerged on the international stage on 2 December 1971. The Rulers of the other Emirates unanimously elected Sheikh Zayed as the President of the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah acceded to the new Federation on 10 February 1972.

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Founders of the Union

This page provides brief biographies of the then sheikhs who co-founded the UAE.

Umm Al Quwain

Ras al khaimah.

Known as the Father of the Nation for his role in forming the United Arab Emirates, the late H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the first President of the UAE. He served this position since the formation of the UAE on 2 December 1971 until he passed away in 2004. He also served as the Ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi from 1966 to 2004. 

Born in the city of Al Ain, Sheikh Zayed was the youngest of the four sons of H. H. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922 to 1926.

Sheikh Zayed was a good listener and an unbiased dispute mediator. He was also renowned for his patience, vision and wisdom; qualities that earned him the title of ‘the wise man of the Arabs’.

He ensured that all UAE citizens are instrumental to the nation's collective success. His vision led the UAE to be the GCC’s second biggest economy after KSA, the third largest in the Middle East and according to many prestigious international reports, the most important financial and economic centre in the region.

Read ‘ Eternal Legacy ’ (PDF, 1 MB), a book containing 100 quotes by Sheikh Zayed translated into 5 international languages.

Sheikh Zayed’s social and political endeavours

Sheikh Zayed understood that in order to build harmony, cohesion and solidarity amongst his people, he first needed to build their trust through constructive and personal interaction. He enjoyed getting out and meeting the local community, and was considered as a man of the people. Through the late 1920s and 1930s, Sheikh Zayed spent considerable time in the desert, living alongside Bedouin tribesmen and learning about their way of life.

In 1946, he was appointed as the Ruler’s representative of the Eastern Region. Immediately after his appointment, he was involved in government affairs in Al Ain city, the region’s administrative seat.

Following his success at initiating the development of Al Ain city during the 1950s, Sheikh Zayed succeeded his elder brother as Ruler of Abu Dhabi on 6 August 1966.

As a political leader, Sheikh Zayed believed that the resources of the country should be fully used to the benefit of all the people of UAE. He promptly increased contributions to the Trucial States Development Fund and with revenues growing as oil production increased, Sheikh Zayed undertook a massive construction programme building schools, houses, hospitals and roads.

Sheikh Zayed’s role in establishing the UAE

The process of establishing the Federation started with the late Sheikh Zayed paving the way towards a unity to ensure the Trucial States’ survival and at later stages to enforce the federal authorities when faced with serious threats.

On 16 January 1968 after the announcement of British withdrawal from east of Suez and the Gulf, Sheikh Zayed established closer ties with the other emirates. He went immediately to Dubai to discuss the next steps with the then Ruler of Dubai, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

On 18 February 1968, both Sheikhs concluded an agreement on a federation between them, and called for a Federation that would include not only the seven emirates that made up the Trucial States, but also Qatar and Bahrain.

Three and a half years later, with the close of British withdrawal, Sheikh Zayed again engaged Sheikh Rashid and the other Rulers in the Trucial States in the decisive discussions, which determined the essential nature of the UAE.

While Sheikh Zayed’s enthusiasm was a key factor in the formation of the UAE, he also won support for the way in which he sought consensus and agreement among his fellow Rulers.

Eventually, six emirates (except Ras Al Khaimah) followed Sheikh Zayed in establishing the UAE, which formally emerged on the international stage on 2 December 1971. The Rulers of the other emirates unanimously elected Sheikh Zayed as the President of the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah acceded to the new federation on 10 February 1972.

Sheikh Zayed’s contributions at the GCC level

The late Sheikh Zayed was a leading force in the foundation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). His vision was to bring together the Gulf countries that shared similar economies and common tribal social structures.

Ultimately, he succeeded in establishing a formal regional and political entity. The Charter of the Council was signed on 24 May 1981 in Abu Dhabi by the heads of its member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. 

Sheikh Zayed in the Arab world

Sheikh Zayed believed in solidarity and cooperation amongst all Arab countries. He felt it was his duty to use his personal and political authority in both the Arab and the international arenas to achieve peace and progress in the Middle East.

He supported Egypt and Syria in their 1973 war for the liberation of the Arab Occupied Territories in Palestine by imposing an oil boycott, making his famous declaration: “Arab oil is not dearer than Arab blood.”

All Arab leaders held Sheikh Zayed in high regard, enabling him to act as a mediator on more than one occasion.

Sheikh Zayed’s international contributions

Sheikh Zayed laid the foundations of a foreign policy, which is characterised by wisdom, moderation, balance, support for truth and justice, and maintaining a language of dialogue and understanding.

This balanced foreign policy has become a hallmark of the UAE, both regionally and internationally.

He has also earned a reputation as an international humanitarian and philanthropist, supporting a number of causes across the world and again setting an enduring legacy.

Sheikh Zayed passed away in 2004, in his late eighties, leaving behind a legacy as the Father of the Nation. The principles and philosophy that he brought to government, however, remain at the core of the UAE and its policies today.

Sourced from:

• The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - Crown Prince Court
• Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE  – Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the USA

  The late H. H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum could be called as the first visionary of the modern UAE. It was during his rule that Dubai grew from a small trading town into a major cosmopolitan city.

Sheikh Rashid was born in Dubai in 1912, the same year as his father Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum became the Ruler of Dubai. He attended the Al Ahmadiya School; his studies included Islamic studies, Arabic and arithmetic.

As the first-born son of Sheikh Saeed, Sheikh Rashid involved himself at an early age in the politics of the emirate. He frequently attended his father's Majlis; ever curious, he would listen attentively to each man's problem or opinion.

Eager to comprehend the precise details of governance, he spent long hours asking questions to his parents about the events of the day.

Sheikh Rashid had exceptional leadership attributes and abilities. He helped his father in all fields; especially the economic affairs.

On 10 September 1958, his father Sheikh Saeed passed away. Sheikh Rashid succeeded him and become the Ruler of Dubai in October the same year.

Sheikh Rashid’s enthusiasm to put his birthplace on the world map was as boundless as his love for his people. His foresight, wise decision-making and willingness to listen to the opinions of his people, whether they were representatives of influential families or common people, are well documented.

The UAE witnessed a significant amount of construction activity in the 1970s, most of which was in Dubai.

Sheikh Rashid's participation in the Trucial States Council played a significant role in preparing for the formation of the Union. He worked with Sheikh Zayed to issue the Union Accord between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in February 1968.

In 1971, he with late Sheikh Zayed pioneered the efforts that led to the UAE's formation in December 1971. where he was appointed as the Vice-President, and as Prime Minister of UAE in 1979.

Sheikh Rashid encouraged democracy and quoted: “Every citizen in this country has the opportunity to express their opinion frankly and clearly and to criticise the government as well.”

Related links

• Ruling family in Dubai  – the official website of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

The late H. H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi had succeeded the late H. H. Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi as the Ruler of Sharjah on 24 June 1965. He ruled until 1972.

Sheikh Khalid contributed towards the establishment of the General Security and Police Force in 1967 and was an early participant in the first talks to create the federation.

Sheikh Khalid passed away in 1972. His brother, Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the current Ruler succeeded him.

Sheikh Khalid ruled the emirate with compassion and wisdom until he passed away.

The late H. H. Sheikh Rashid  bin Humaid Al Nuaimi  was the Ruler of Ajman for 54 years, beginning in 1928 as the ninth ruler of the emirate.

Since the age of eight, Sheikh Rashid started to acquire the skills of leadership from his father, who ruled the emirate since 1910.  

Sheikh Rashid brought a renaissance that led to the prosperity of the emirate. Under his leadership, Ajman became the first emirate to issue its own passports.

In 1958, Sheikh Rashid formalised an education system in the emirate, which had until that time relied on volunteering teachers and traditional methods.

He established the Ajman Police Department in 1967.

Some of his other initiatives were:

• establishing a science institute
• adopting civil and Islamic jurisprudence
• providing free health care
• creating an electric grid and network of water pipelines

The late H. H. Sheikh Ahmed assumed his position as the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain in 1928. It is believed that he was 18 when he became the Ruler.

Sheikh Ahmed acquired the experience of ruling the country and his people from his father H. H. Sheikh Rashid Al Mualla, who ruled Umm Al Quwain for almost 25 years. During Sheikh Ahmed’s rule, the emirate enjoyed great stability despite its limited resources.

He established the first school and hospital in Umm Al Quwain, had the emirate's first roads paved and built a police and public security department. He was a great figure who worked for the betterment of his citizens.

The late H. H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi took over as the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah on 17 July 1948.

During Sheikh Saqr's reign, he established security and peace in the emirate and provided a decent life for his people. He established many schools including the emirate's first girls’ school in 1956.

At the time of creating the Federation, Sheikh Saqr had many concerns; one of them was about getting the emirate’s islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs which Iran had seized. However, he received assurances that the new Federal Government would continue to claim it. Finally, Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation on 10 February 1972.

  The late H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamada Al Sharqi ruled Fujairah from about 1937 to 1974. He believed in a separate identity of Fujairah, which was finally acknowledged by Britain in 1952.

People looked up to him as a ray of hope and inspiration. He formalised the Sharia court system. In 1969, he initiated road construction and started the emirate's first books’ library.  Some of his other initiatives include:

• setting up the first primary school, which opened in 1961 with 90 students
• establishing a deal with the British in 1965 to create an airport
• setting up the first dispensary, opened in 1969
• The Founding fathers  - National Library and Archives

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Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – may God rest his soul –

[1918-2004]

His birth and upbringing:.

Sheikh Zayed was born in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in 1918 at Qasr al-Hosn to Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed, the Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922-1926. He was the youngest of Sheikh Sultan’s four sons and was named after his famous grandfather, known as ‘Zayed the Great’, the Ruler of the Emirate from 1885-1909. Sheikh Zayed had a strong passion for anything with which a trueborn Arab is identified such as falconry, riding Arabian thoroughbred camel and horses and mastering archery. His character was shaped in his early youth, while living in the city of Al Ain. Its calm and vast expanses were instrumental in developing his leadership qualities

As the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region:

In 1946, Sheikh Zayed was appointed as representative of his brother, Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan al-Nahyan, in the Eastern Region. During his twenty years as his brother’s representative, Sheikh Zayed gained a reputation as a natural born leader who ruled by example. Sheikh Zayed became not only a well-known, but also a popular and respected leader who was eager to listen to all his subjects and whose decisions were based on the consensus of the various tribes in the region. He frequently travelled to even the remotest parts of the region in order to consult with people regarding their needs. He kept an open majlis, maintained close ties with his people and personally oversaw the implementation of reforms. He was the paragon of generosity and hospitality. Sir Wilfred Thesiger, the famous British traveler who documented his famous trips across the Empty Quarter, noted in his book ‘Arabian Sands’ that Sheikh Zayed was “a strongly-built man, with a brown beard. He was shrewd and sharp-witted, and his manner was quiet but masterful”.  Thesiger remarked that Sheikh Zayed was a man whom he looked forward to meeting as “He had a great reputation among the Bedouins. They liked him for his easy, informal ways and his friendliness, and they respected his strong character, his shrewdness and his physical strength. They said admiringly ‘Zayed is a Bedouin. He knows a lot about camels, can ride them like us, is a sharpshooter and a skillful fight’.” The traveler described the young Sheikh Zayed’s governing style by saying “Zayed as the leader of a large family is always willing to listen to people’s problems and then to find the right solution, settling disputes to the satisfaction of all, in a manner characterized by intelligence, wisdom and justice.” The former British Captain of the Trucial Oman Scouts, Anthony Shepherd, recounts in his book ‘Arabian Adventure’ his impressions of his meeting with Sheikh Zayed stating “He was a man who commanded the respect, admiration and loyalty of the Bedouins living in the deserts around Buraimi. He was the most commanding figure in the Trucial States”. After visiting Sheikh Zayed in al Ain, Colonel Hugh Boustead, the British Political Agent in Abu Dhabi, wrote: “I was always astonished at the sheer size of the crowd who gathered around him whenever he toured Buraimi, and who treated him with the sort of reverence and attention due to a minor saint. He invariably had a kind word for everybody, and was most generous with his money. I was immediately struck by all that had been done in Al ‘Ain, his hometown, and in the Buraimi area, for the benefit of the people. Water ducts had been dug out to increase the water supply to the gardens, water wells were sunk and pumps were supplied and modern baths for men and women had been built in the falajs. Everyone who visited Al Ain noticed the happiness of the people in the area”. The British scholar, Clarence Mann, visited the Eastern Region and attended Sheikh Zayed’s majlis. In his book ‘Abu Dhabi: Birth of an Oil Sheikhdom’ he noted that “The choice of Sheikh Zayed as a successor to his brother was logical and predictable, and perhaps in the best interests of the Sheikhdom. Next to Sheikh Shakhbut he has always been the most influential person in the Sheikhdom. He controlled directly all villages in the area, with the exception of those under the control of Muscat, and his influence stretched throughout al-Dharfah. He is highly respected by the Bedouins because he knows and practices their ways and traditions, He used whatever little money he had to introduce reforms in Buraimi. Thanks to him, the Bedouins pledged allegiance to Abu Dhabi. His fairness, reformist attitude and exceptional political skills made him the natural leader of Abu Dhabi ”

Ruler of Abu Dhabi:

The discovery of oil in the late 1950s transformed the economic landscape of the Abu Dhabi as it ushered the beginning of its development. In 1962, as the Emirate began exporting oil, it was immediately apparent that an innovative vision of governance was needed to address the new challenges and to optimize the utilization of oil revenues. The al-Nahyan family unanimously elected Sheikh Zayed as the new Ruler of the Emirate on August 6, 1966. Thus a new phase of the history of Abu Dhabi started. Sheikh Zayed carried out major reforms, such as modern education, healthcare, public housing, and general urban development. He drew up a plan for a major development and encouraged his people to participate wholeheartedly in the process, bringing in foreign expertise as appropriate. A few days after assuming office, the establishment of a modern formal government with its ministries and departments was announced and the new government was entrusted with the task of conducting the affairs of the state. Sheikh Zayed’s priorities included building new roads, construction of a bridge to link Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland and the establishment of schools, houses, medical services, a seaport and an airport. Thus, Abu Dhabi was transformed beyond recognition, as it became a huge construction site with the noise of machines and equipment everywhere. Thousands of local people moved from barasti (palm frond) houses into modern homes. Modern roads were built over the desert sand and fresh water supply and electricity were connected to every house. Education shifted from the religious system of ‘Mutawiah’ to a modern educational system and literacy classes were held for those who had not previously benefitted from education. The desert Bedouins began to receive medical services from clinics for the first time. His development venture succeeded in eradicating ages of backwardness.

Zayed: UAE President

In 1968, when Britain announced its intention to withdraw its bases from East of Suez, it became imperative for the Emirates to take some steps to change the course of history in the region; especially that the Arabian Gulf region was vulnerable to occupation by expansionist powers. Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai at that time, undertook an initiative that had a great impact on subsequent events. On February 18, 1968, they signed Al Samih agreement, which resulted in major changes that set the stage for the discussions of the Union of the Nine that took place among the seven Emirates and their sister states Bahrain and Qatar later on. Finally, this led to the unification of the Emirates under the name the “United Arab Emirates” after both Bahrain and Qatar announced their independence. The UAE was founded on December 2, 1971, and Sheikh Zayed was unanimously elected by the rulers of the Emirates as the first president of the new state for five years. The Supreme Council of the Union expressed their confidence in Sheikh Zayed by re-electing him several times. Sheikh Zayed was the president, the builder and the caring father of the nation. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum was elected vice-president. Sheikh Zayed followed up the affairs of his newly born developing state and spent the oil revenues on various sectors in the UAE, especially those in need of development. He  looked after the economy, education, heritage and culture. Thanks to Sheikh Zayed’s acumen and broad-mindedness, the UAE acquired good reputation among Arab and foreign countries. The security and stability of the UAE strengthened such a reputation further. The Rulers of the Emirates who are the members of the Federal Supreme Council, agreed on drawing up a provisional federal constitution for an effective governance that defines the authorities of the federal institutions in a state adopting modern management methods and seeking at the same time to maintain the traditional form of direct democracy.

The GCC: a Greater ambition

Having a deep inner conviction in the benefits of closer cooperation not only among the seven emirates of the UAE, but also among all Gulf States, Sheikh Zayed was a leading force in the foundation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). His vision was translated into action by bringing together the Gulf countries, which shared not only similar economies, but also a history based on common tribal social structures. On the basis of such common grounds, Sheikh Zayed aimed at, and succeeded in establishing a formal regional and political entity. The GCC charter was signed by the heads of its member states consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in their first summit that was held in Abu Dhabi on May 25, 1981.

Developing Industrial Sectors and Infrastructure

From the start, Sheikh Zayed’s vision involved the development of the industrial sector of the newly formed UAE, recognizing that oil was a non-renewable resource. His primary focus was on developing the manufacturing sector of his country, as a result of which the UAE enjoyed a boom, especially in the Seventies of the last century. The development of the country’s infrastructure was another pressing issue for Sheikh Zayed. From the very start of his rule, road construction, telephone lines and the establishment of national media were recognized as vital to link up the seven Emirates with each another. The new roads, international airports and seaports quickly enabled the UAE to play a prominent role in the modern industrial world and to take its well-deserved place among the world’s most highly developed industrial nations. The 19th of Ramadan 1425 A.H., correspondent to November 2nd, 2004 A.D. is sadly an unforgettable date as the United Arab Emirates lost its Leader, the Founder of its Federation after a long march of giving that lasted for four decades. The old and the young mourned his death, which shocked all UAE people. Arab and foreign countries mourned the death of Sheik Zayed, and people all over the world expressed their sadness for his loss. World leaders issued sad obituaries filled with expressions of sorrow for a loss of a man who is respected and appreciated by the whole world, and whose accomplishments are numerous. The UAE people found solace in Zayed’s sons who grew up by his side, absorbing his knowledge as he is the greatest tutor in leadership and fair governance. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed was the worthy successor to the best predecessor as he assumed power with the consent and blessings of all UAE Sheikhs and people.

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International Historical Biographical Institute

World History: Famous Personalities

Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Biography

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan   was the ruler of Abu Dhabi for more than 30 years (6 August 1966 – 2 November 2004). He was the founding father and the principal driving force behind the formation of the United Arab Emirates, becoming the Union's first Raʾīs (President), a post which he held for a period of almost 33 years (1971 until his death in 2004). He is popularly referred to in the UAE as the Father of the Nation.

Zayed was the youngest of four sons of Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. His father was the ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922 until his death in 1926. Zayed was the youngest of his four brothers. His eldest brother, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan, became ruler of Abu Dhabi after their uncle, Saqr bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His mother was Sheikha Salama bint Butti. She extracted a promise from her sons not to use violence against each other, a promise which they kept. Sheikh Zayed was named after his grandfather, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan ("Zayed the Great"), who ruled the emirate from 1855 to 1909. At the time of Sheikh Zayed's birth, the sheikhdom of Abu Dhabi was one of seven Trucial States along the lower coast of the Persian Gulf. He also showed interest in falconry.

It is normally held that he was born at Qasr al-Hosn in Abu Dhabi, with some sources stating that he was born in Al Ain, particularly at Sultan Bin Zayed Fort on the edge of Al Ain Oasis.He is at least known to have moved from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain in 1927, after the death of his father. As Zayed was growing up in Al-Ain, there were no modern schools anywhere along the coast. He only received a basic instruction in the principles of Islam, and lived in the desert with Bedouin tribesmen, familiarising himself with the life of the people, their traditional skills and their ability to survive under the harsh climatic conditions.

Zayed was appointed the governor of the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi in 1946, and was based in the Muwaiji fort in Al Ain. At this time, the area was poor and prone to outbreaks of disease. When parties from Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) began exploring for oil in the area, Zayed assisted them.

In 1952, a small Saudi Arabian force led by Turki bin Abdullah Al-Otaishan occupied the village of Hamasa in the Buraimi Oasis (the 'Buraimi Dispute'). Zayed was prominent in his opposition to Saudi territorial claims and reportedly rejected a bribe of about £30 million to allow Aramco to explore for oil in the disputed territory. As part of this dispute, Zayed and his brother Hazza attended the Buraimi arbitration tribunal in Geneva in September 1955 and gave evidence to tribunal members. When the tribunal was abandoned amid allegations of Saudi bribery, the British initiated the reoccupation of the Buraimi Oasis through a local military force, the Trucial Oman Levies. A period of stability followed during which Zayed helped to develop the region and took a particular interest in the restoration of the falaj system, a network of water channels which kept the plantations of the Buraimi Oasis irrigated and fertile.

The discovery of oil in 1958, and the start of oil exports in 1962, led to frustration among members of the ruling family about the lack of progress under Sheikh Shakhbut’s rule. On 6 August 1966, Shakhbut was deposed in a bloodless palace coup. The move to replace Shakhbut with Zayed had the unanimous backing of the Al Nahyan family. The news was conveyed to Shakhbut by British Acting Resident Glen Balfour-Paul who added the support of the British to the consensus of the family. Shakhbut finally accepted the decision and, with the Trucial Oman Scouts providing safe transport, left for Bahrain. He subsequently lived in Korramshahr, Iran before returning to live in Buraimi.

In the late 1960s, Zayed hired Katsuhiko Takahashi, a Japanese architect, to design and plan the city.

Between 8–11 January 1968, the UK's Foreign Office Minister Goronwy Roberts visited the Trucial States and announced to its shocked rulers that the United Kingdom would abrogate its treaties with them and intended to withdraw from the area. In a seminal meeting on 18 February 1968 at a desert highland on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Dubai shook hands on the principle of founding a Federation and attempting to invite other trucial rulers to join in order that a viable nation be formed in the wake of the British withdrawal.

In 1971, after occasionally difficult negotiations with the other six rulers of the Trucial States, the United Arab Emirates was formed. Zayed was appointed to the presidency of the UAE in 1971 and was reappointed on four more occasions: 1976, 1981, 1986, and 1991.

In 1974, Zayed settled the outstanding border dispute with Saudi Arabia by the Treaty of Jeddah by which Saudi Arabia received the output of the Shaybah oilfield and access to the lower Persian Gulf in return for recognising the UAE.

  Sheikh Zayed was determined to unite the Emirates into federation. His calls for cooperation extended across the Persian Gulf to Iran. He advocated dialogue as the means to settle the row with Tehran over three strategic Persian Gulf islands which Iran seized from the (future) UAE Emirate of Sharjah in 1971. The islands remain in Iranian hands, despite over three decades of UAE diplomatic initiatives.

The attitude of Zayed towards his neighbors can best be seen in his position regarding the "Umm al Zamul" dispute (1964), when he expressed a genuine wish that his brother Sheikh Shakhbut would accept "the Sultan's proposal for a neutral zone". He said in that regard: "... it was ridiculous to squabble over a [water] well so bitter that few bedouin could stomach its waters, or to split hairs over a tiny area of barren, almost totally unfrequented desert. And even if there happened to be oil in the area, Abu Dhabi had so much already that she could well afford to spare some for her less fortunate neighbours".

Furthermore, during the negotiations between Abu Dhabi and Dubai that resulted in forming the Abu Dhabi — Dubai Union (which preceded the formation of the United Arab Emirates), Sheikh Zayed was extremely generous with the Sheikh Rashid of Dubai. Kemal Hamza, Sheikh Rashid's envoy to the meeting between Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid in Sumeih remarked that "Zayed was extremely 'karim' (generous) throughout the negotiations and seemed prepared to give Rashid whatever he wanted". This amounted to Zayed giving Rashid "oil rights in the sea-bed that might be worth milions a year" even at the risk of criticism "at home for giving so much..." It also gave rise to comments that such concessions constituted "an alienation of territory by Abu Dhabi". But the future course of events proved, none of these arguments stood the test of judgment in light of the much higher goal that Sheikh Zayed had in mind, and which in the ultimate analysis amply justified the sacrifices incurred by him. Such concessions are rare in the records of history and news of this generosity travelled far and wide.

He was considered a relatively liberal ruler, and permitted private media. However, they were expected to practice self-censorship and avoid criticism of Zayed or the ruling families. Freedom of worship was permitted, and to a certain extent allowances were made for expatriate cultures, but this did not always sit comfortably in the eyes of the wider Arab world with Zayed's role as a Muslim head of state.

Zayed did not shy away from controversy when it came to expressing his opinions on current events in the Arab world. Troubled by the suffering of Iraqi civilians, he took the lead in calling for the lifting of economic sanctions on Iraq imposed by the United Nations in the aftermath of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, despite Kuwaiti displeasure and opposition.

Zayed was one of the wealthiest men in the world. A Forbes estimate put his fortune at around US$20 billion in 2004. The source of this wealth was almost exclusively due to the immense oil wealth of Abu Dhabi and the Emirates, which sit on a pool of a tenth of the world's proven oil reserves. In 1988, he purchased, for £5m, Tittenhurst Park at Sunninghill, Berkshire as his English home.

At the time the British withdrew from the Persian Gulf in 1971, Zayed oversaw the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Arab Economic Development; some of its oil riches were channeled to some forty less fortunate Islamic nations in Asia and Africa during the decades that followed.

Using the country's enormous oil revenues, Zayed built institutions such as hospitals, schools and universities and made it possible for UAE citizens to enjoy free access to them. He was also known for making donations to the tune of millions [pounds sterling] for worthy causes around the Arab World as well as in the neighbouring countries and in the world at large.

When asked by The New York Times in April 1997 why there is no elected legislature, Zayed replied,

Why should we abandon a system that satisfies our people in order to introduce a system that seems to engender dissent and confrontation? Our system of government is based upon our religion and that is what our people want. Should they seek alternatives, we are ready to listen to them.

We have always said that our people should voice their demands openly. We are all in the same boat, and they are both the captain and the crew. Our doors are open for any opinion to be expressed, and this well known by all our citizens. It is our deep conviction that Allah has created people free, and has prescribed that each individual must enjoy freedom of choice. No one should act as if they own others.

Those in the position of leadership should deal with their subjects with compassion and understanding, because this is the duty enjoined upon them by Allah, who enjoins upon us to treat all living creatures with dignity. How can there be anything less for mankind, created as Allah's successors on earth? Our system of government does not derive its authority from man, but is enshrined in our religion and is based on Allah's Book, the Quran. What need have we of what others have conjured up? Its teachings are eternal and complete, while the systems conjured up by man are transitory and incomplete.

Land was also often distributed gratis. However, while this policy benefited many landless families, enormously wealthy clans and individuals were given free land grants in proportion to their status and influence with the royal family. His majlis (a traditional Arab consultation council) was open to the public. He allowed non-Muslim religious buildings, such as churches and a temple, to be built. Zayed was also in favour of certain rights for women, such as access to education and women's labour-rights, within traditional parameters. His views regarding women's rights were considerably more liberal than his counterparts in the GCC nations.

After floods ravaged Yemen's Ma'rib Governorate in 1982, Zayed financed the construction of the current dam of Ma'rib in 1984. This was to replace the historical one that was damaged in antiquity, and support the country's agriculture and economy. The area of Ma'rib is reportedly from where his ancestors migrated to what is now the UAE.

On 2 November 2004, Zayed died at the age of 86. He was buried in the courtyard of the new Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. His eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, took an increasing role in government beginning in the 1980s. Directly after his father's death, he became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and was ratified as the President of the United Arab Emirates by his fellow rulers in the Supreme Council.

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Honoring UAE's Visionaries: Commemorative Streets

Shk. Zayed Bin Sultan (Street 100)

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan: He is Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates. He was the representative of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi in the eastern region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi since 1946, and in 1966 he was chosen as the ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to succeed his brother, Sheikh Shakhbout Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and in 1968 Laying the foundations for the state to sign the bilateral union agreement between the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and to invite the rest of the rulers of the Emirates, the states of Bahrain and Qatar to the union states, and on the second of December 1971 He announced the establishment of the United Arab Emirates under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and laid the foundations of a strong state that soon reached the ranks of developed countries and surpassed many regional and global countries, and his generous hands reached many parts of the world, and he won the respect, appreciation and love of all the sons of His people, the Arab and Islamic peoples, and many peoples of the world. He passed away, may God have mercy on him, on November 2, 2004.