Mohammed bin Zayed is a visionary leader, committed to building a better future for the UAE.
His strong leadership has helped to make the UAE a global player.
He was born on March 11, 1961 and made a great history with huge achievements for his country and the world.
Due to his achievements he gained many titles, some of the titles of His Highness are as follows:
- The most powerful Arab ruler – New York Times 2019
- One of the 100 Most Influential People for 2019 by Time magazine.
- The eighth-most influential Muslim – Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, 2023
Education
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed went to Morocco to receive his education.
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan gave him a passport showing a different last name, so that he would not be treated like royalty.
After that, Sheikh Mohammed was further educated at schools in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and a summer at Gordonstoun until the age of 18.
In 1979, he joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst graduating in April 1979.
During his time at Sandhurst, he completed the below:
- Fundamental armor course.
- Fundamental flying course.
- Parachutist course.
- Training on tactical planes and helicopters, including the Gazelle squadron.
Mohammed bin Zayed in Military
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed served as an officer in the Amiri Guard (now known as Presidential Guard) in many positions:
- Pilot in the UAE’s Air Force.
- Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defense.
- Deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces.
- Deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
- Lieutenant general.
First Nuclear Power Reactor in the Region
Under Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed leadership, the UAE built Barakah nuclear power plant the first-ever nuclear power reactor in the region.
The UAE and US signed a bilateral agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation.
That enhances international standards of nuclear non-proliferation.
The UAE President attended the Nuclear Security Summits of 2012 and 2014, hosted by South Korea and the Netherlands respectively.
Emirates Mars Mission (2021):
The UAE’s ‘Hope Probe’ successfully entered Mars’ orbit in February 2021.
Marking a significant achievement in the Arab world’s space exploration efforts.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development:
Under Sheikh Mohamed’s leadership, the UAE has prioritized AI, aiming to position itself as a global leader in the field.
Collaborations with major U.S. tech companies and significant investments underscore this commitment.
Mohammed bin Zayed Story with Jujitsu
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed made jujitsu compulsory in schools.
In 2014, he established the military draft, conscripting young Emiratis to attend a year of boot camp.
Initially running a pilot project within his own family.
The Humanity of Mohammed bin Zayed
UAE President has gifted AED 55 million to the UN Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking.
And also committed to raise US$100 million for the Reaching the Last Mile Fund.
Pledged US$50 million for children vaccine efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
He also contributed US$30 million to the Roll Back Malaria Partnership.
The University of Texas chair for scientific and medical knowledge in cancer research is named after him.
He has organized the Zayed Charity Marathon in New York City since its inauguration in 2005.
Recently, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed launched Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 to support our brothers in Palestine.
Heritage and Art
Mohammed bin Zayed has set up art museums.
Such as Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017 and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in 2012.
As well as cultural heritage sites such as Qasr Al Hosn.
Sheikh Mohammed has made strong efforts to protect wild falcons, bustards, and the Arabian oryx.
He donated US$1 million to an initiative aimed at preventing the power line-related deaths of wild birds.
UAE welcomes launch of Syrian National Dialogue Conference, affirms support for efforts to promote peace, development and prosperity in Syria pic.twitter.com/HHuSVGsTs6
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) February 27, 2025
Recent Economic Initiatives by Mohammed bin Zayed
‘Make it in the Emirates’ Initiative (2021):
Launched in March 2021, this strategy aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
It’s part of the broader ‘Operation 300bn’ plan, which seeks to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion by 2031.
Establishment of XRG (2024):
In December 2024, Sheikh Mohamed approved the board of directors for XRG.
XRG is the international investment arm of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
Valued at over $80 billion, XRG focuses on investments in lower-carbon energy, gas, and chemicals, aligning with global sustainability trends.
