7 Founding Sheikhs of the UAE and their achievements

• UAE’s Founding Fathers
• FAQs

The United Arab Emirates has transformed into a thriving modern nation in a remarkably short time – just five decades! This wouldn’t have been possible without the foresight and leadership of the founding fathers of the UAE. Combined with their contributions, their vision for the future has propelled the UAE to become a major player regionally and internationally.

Let’s look into different ways these founding fathers shaped the development of the UAE.

From Desert Sands to Shining Cities: The Legacy of Founding Fathers of the UAE

UAE’s founding fathers laid the groundwork for an extraordinary journey, which resulted in Burj Khalifa, an ideal economy and a growing real estate industry. Through their forward-thinking, diplomacy and dedication, these remarkable individuals played a pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s identity and setting it up for a prosperous future.

SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN (1918-2004)

Known as the Father of the UAE, His Highness (the late) Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the country for more than three decades since its founding. He is the grandson of ‘Zayed the First’ – Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan and was named after him.

Abu Dhabi’s leadership began with Zayed the First, who ruled for over half a century from 1855. Power stayed within the family, with his son, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed, taking the reins from 1922 to 1926. Following a brief succession by Sheikh Shakhbut, H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, named after his grandfather, became ruler in 1966.

Interestingly, before becoming the UAE’s first President in 1971, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan held the position of Ruler’s Representative for the Eastern Region.

Sheikh Zayed was one of the 7 founding fathers of the UAE who played a pivotal role in the development of Abu Dhabi. One of his first decisions was to increase contributions to the Trucial States Development Fund. Thanks to increasing oil revenues, he launched a massive infrastructure program that included the development of roads, schools, hospitals and housing in the emirate. 

As the British withdrew from the region in 1968, Sheikh Zayed took the historic step to establish closer ties with other emirates and, along with H.H. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum (Ruler of Dubai), called for a federation consisting of the seven emirates.

These seven states eventually became the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971. The Rulers of the other emirates unanimously elected Sheikh Zayed as the President of the UAE.

In 2018, the United Arab Emirates celebrated the 100th birthday of its founding father, the visionary Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared it the “Year of Zayed” in honour of Sheikh Zayed’s remarkable legacy. The inspiring quotes of H.H. (the late) Sheikh Zayed continue to serve as a source of motivation for younger generations.

SHEIKH RASHID BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM (1912-1990)

Shaikh Rashid was Ruler of Dubai from 1958 until his death on October 7, 1990. He was also the Prime Minister of the UAE and Vice-President from 1971 until his demise.

A key figure among the rulers of the UAE, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum steered Dubai’s transformation for over three decades as its Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler. Nicknamed the “Father of Modern Dubai,” his vision set in motion the emirate from a modest trading port to a global shipping centre and a thriving metropolis.

Capitalising on the 1960s oil boom, Sheikh Rashid oversaw the expansion of port facilities and constructed an international airport. His close collaboration with the other UAE founders proved instrumental in the nation’s remarkable growth.

H.H. Sheikh Rashid’s vision was of an economy that didn’t solely rely on the emirate’s oil reserves. His vision led to milestones such as the Al Maktoum Hospital, Al Maktoum Bridge and Dubai International Airport.

Towards the end of his life, he opened the first free zone in the region, the Jebel Ali Free Zone, which led to the formation of the UAE’s booming logistics industry. 

SHEIKH KHALID BIN MOHAMMED AL QASIMI (1927-1972)

The third name on our list of sheikhs of the UAE is His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. The Ruler of Sharjah from 1965 to 1972 was also an early participant in the discussions to create the federation.

One of H.H. Sheikh Khalid’s notable early developments was the formation of the General Security and Police Force in 1967. He was succeeded by Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, his brother, who is the current Ruler of the emirate.

Another founding father of the UAE, Sharjah’s development flourished under the leadership of Sheikh Khalid. His focus on infrastructure projects was pivotal in the emirate’s growth.

A new power plant ensured a stable energy supply, while a network of roads connected Sharjah to its neighbours. His vision extended to maritime trade, with the construction of a massive port – aptly named Port Khalid – boosting Sharjah’s commercial standing.

SHEIKH RASHID BIN HUMAID AL NUAIMI (1902-1981)

His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, one of the important UAE rulers, became the Ruler of Ajman in 1928. He continued to rule the emirate for more than five decades. His leadership saw key developments in the city, from becoming the first emirate to issue its passports to providing free healthcare.

Towards the end of the 1950s, Sheikh Rashid implemented a formal educational system in Ajman that was based on traditional methods and volunteer teachers. A decade later, he established the Ajman Police Department.

Other notable achievements of this prominent UAE sheikh include promoting Science, developing jurisprudence and creating electric grids and water pipelines.

Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid was also keen to spread the teachings of Islamic culture and established the Islamic Scientific Institute that teaches basic Sharia and other civil disciplines. His son, H.H. Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, succeeded him and followed in his father’s footsteps to continue the development of Ajman.

SHEIKH AHMED BIN RASHID AL MUALLA(1902-1981)

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Mualla is another worthy mention on the UAE sheikh name list. He became Ruler of Umm al Quwain at the age of 18 and was able to achieve stability in the emirate despite limited resources.

Due to illness, he couldn’t attend the December 2nd, 1971 ceremonies, but he authorised his son and Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla, to participate on his behalf.

Even with limited means, His leadership fostered stability and progress in Umm al Qaiwain. He laid the emirate’s development foundation by establishing the first school, hospital and a modern security system with paved roads.

SHEIKH SAQR BIN MOHAMMED AL QASIMI (1918 – 2010)

His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Moḥammed Al Qasimi was initially reluctant to join the federation. Hence, Ras Al Khaimah became part of the UAE in February 1972 after being assured that the new Federal Government would maintain its claim to the islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs.

He became the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah in 1948, replacing his uncle and father-in-law, Sheikh Sultan bin Salem Al Qasimi. His contributions are numerous, especially in the field of education. He is credited with opening the first girls’ school in the emirate!

SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN HAMAD AL SHARQI (1908-1974)

The ruler of Fujairah from 1937 to 1974, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi’s rule saw key developments in the emirate.

During the 1960s, Fujairah saw its first primary school, dispensary and library. Sheikh Mohammed also formalised the Shari’a court system and laid the foundations for Fujairah airport and road network.

FAQs About Sheikhs of the UAE

Who is the current ruler of Dubai?

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, is a significant inspiration for Dubai’s advancement.

Combined with his commitment to global excellence, his visionary leadership, wisdom and optimistic outlook have played a pivotal role in shaping the growth of Dubai and nurturing a sustainable future for its residents.

What was the old name of the UAE?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was historically known as the Trucial States or the Trucial Oman before its formation as a unified federation in 1971.

Which is the smallest emirate in the UAE?

Encompassing 259 sq. km., Ajman is the smallest among the seven emirates, constituting approximately 0.3% of the UAE’s mainland. While featuring some sandy beaches, Ajman is predominantly distinguished by the rugged Hajjar Mountain range. Despite boasting modern amenities and services, Ajman City retains a traditional charm.

Are there commemorative coins in the UAE?

Yes, the UAE’s commemorative coins are typically minted to mark significant events and celebrations or to honour notable figures. They often have unique designs and may be made from precious metals like gold or silver.

What currency is used in the UAE?

The currency used in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the United Arab Emirates dirham, abbreviated as AED or Dhs. Our post on the UAE currency symbols and their meaning can be useful if you want to learn more about the currency.

This was an overview of the lives and reigns of the founding fathers of the UAE. As a result of their leadership, the UAE has become one of the fastest-growing economies of recent times and shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

You can learn more about the UAE royal family on our blog. Moreover, much has been done to preserve the country’s history. The Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi is an amazing tribute to the vision and values of His Highness (the late) Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE.

Curious about the emblems that embody the UAE’s spirit? Check out our blog on national symbols of the UAE and the stories they tell.

For more information about how the UAE developed into a modern infrastructure, stay tuned to MyBayut!