His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, is the son of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ‘Father of the Nation’ and the first President of the UAE, and the brother of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was educated at schools in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi until the age of 18. In 1979, he joined the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he trained in armour, helicopter flying, tactical flying and Para troops. After graduating in April 1979, he returned home to the UAE to join the Officers’ Training Course in Sharjah, another Emirate of the UAE.
Military Leadership: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has transformed the military capabilities of the UAE not only through buying military hardware (over 80 F-16 jets), but also by developing UAE’s own industry, both hardware and special forces. All of these have also been deployed in various conflicts including Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen.
Influence in the US and Beyond: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had an excellent relationship with President Obama until the US-Iran nuclear deal was brokered. With the arrival of President Trump, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has found someone who again listens to his views and by increasing his lobbying power in the US he has managed to have his views heard on Iran, the Muslim brotherhood, Palestine and the support of a young Saudi prince.
Economic Development: With Abu Dhabi sitting on the 10th of the world’s proven oil reserves, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan maintains immense political influence in the Muslim World as a leading member of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company which directs development efforts for the UAE’s role in the oil and gas industries. He also controls one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds (600 billion dollars).
He has overseen a construction boom which includes man-made islands, entertainment parks and museum franchises of the Louvre and Guggenheim.
Sustainable Development and Conservationist: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been a champion of sustainable development in Abu Dhabi as an advocate for the implementation of green technologies. He pledged $15 billion for the development of clean energy through solar, wind and hydrogen power. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is also a keen falconer and is committed to protecting falcons and other species in the region.
Philanthropy and Tolerance: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is noted for his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts in charitable giving. He has donated billions of dollars to various causes, including DH55 million to the UN Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, and purchasing vaccines in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The UAE is home to a diverse workforce and has been keen to show respect to other religions and cultures. It has allowed various houses of worship to be built and it hosted Pope Francis on a recent trip. The UAE has also created a “Ministry of Tolerance” and declared 2019 the official “Year of Tolerance.”
