About
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the founding father of the United Arab Emirates. He served as the governor of the Eastern Region from 1946 until 1966 before becoming the ruler of Abu Dhabi. From the UAE's independence in 1971 until his death in 2004, Zayed served as the first president, and is highly revered in the UAE as the Father of the Nation due to his instrumental role in unifying the emirates.
Career Timeline
Governor of Eastern Region
Becomes governor, focusing on improving the lives of the people.
Ruler of Abu Dhabi
Becomes the ruler of Abu Dhabi, overseeing period of rapid development and modernization.
First UAE President
Leads the unification of the emirates and becomes the first president of the UAE.
Death as Founding Father
Dies as a revered figure, having transformed the UAE into a prosperous nation.
Lasting Legacy
Remains the highly revered founding father of the UAE, a global symbol of unity and prosperity.
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Last updated: February 24, 2026