President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed – The Story So Far
The passing of President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (may he forever rest in peace) on 13th May 2022 was met with immense sadness. The loss of the UAE’s inspiring leader was sorely felt, both within the country and across the world. Hard as it is sometimes though, the very nature of existence means that life and leadership has to move on. For the UAE, that transitional process began during the official mourning period with the announcement that H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan would be the next UAE President. It was an announcement greeted warmly by the entire populace of the UAE and by numerous country leaders around the world. In this article we profile the newly-elected leader’s life thus far and his dedication to military service, public duty and shaping the future of the country he loves.
A LOOK AT THE LIFE OF H.H. SHEIKH MOHAMED BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN
Due to his immense contributions to the growth and development of the country, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is one of the region’s most prominent leaders. He has played an influential role in various capacities for outlining and implementing policies which impact the lives of all UAE residents.
In this article, we shine a deserving light on the life experiences of the new President and the different areas of governance he has focused on in the past.
H.H. SHEIKH MOHAMED BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN’S EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed was born in 1961 in Al Ain. As the third son of the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, he was in the public eye from a young age. Having received early education at Al Kindi Primary School, he graduated from the prestigious Sandhurst Military Academy in the UK in 1979. During his time at the academy he undertook a parachutist course, an armour course, and a flying course for helicopters and tactical planes.
TRANSFORMING THE MILITARY
After returning home, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed joined the Officers’ Training Course in Sharjah. Serving in the military, he held multiple roles, from an Officer and an Amiri Guard to the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
One of the biggest of his many achievements is the successful transformation of the UAE military. The focus was on developing competencies, improving strategic planning and training and promoting overall defence capabilities. During his tenure, the UAE Armed Forces holistically modernised all aspects of being a military force – a feat which has been acknowledged and praised by leading military organisations around the globe.
Amongst his numerous military achievements, H.H. participated in the peacekeeping mission to Kosovo and inspected the UAE Armed Forces in Kuwait.
A KEEN DIPLOMAT
Despite years of military training and experience, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has always believed in the power of diplomacy. Serving as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi since 2004, he quickly earned the international community’s respect. From welcoming the U.S. President in 2008 to dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, H.H. has been pivotal in shaping and outlining the UAE’s domestic and global policies.
In recognition of his services, he has received accolades and medals from countries such as Kuwait, Kingdom of Bahrain, Pakistan, Oman, Malaysia, Qatar, Morocco, USA, Jordan, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, South Korea and China, as well as the United Nations.
KEY POLICY TENETS
While under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has progressed on multiple fronts. Three basic areas, in particular, have been exceptionally high on the agenda.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Diversification of the economy was always a high priority for His Highness Sheikh Mohamed. As the Chairman of the UAE Offset Program Bureau (Offset), he supervised efforts to establish projects of feasibility in various sectors.
Mubadala Development Company was formed in 2002 as a state organ to invest in different entities. The core issue at hand was to move towards a sustainable socio-economic model. In a famous speech at the World Government Summit in 2015, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed outlined a vision for the future of the UAE’s economy:
“Our best bet at this period of time where we have wealth is to invest all our resources in education because there will be a time, 50 years from now, when we load the last barrel of oil aboard the ship,” he said.
“The question is, 50 years from now after we have loaded this last barrel of oil, are we going to feel sad? If our investment today is right, I think – dear brothers and sisters – we will celebrate that moment.”
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in his role as the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Education Council has pursued policies to promote critical research and improve educational standards. The role and value of students and their parents has been recognised and dramatically enhanced. Furthermore, H.H. established exchange initiatives with reputable educational institutes from around the world.
Similarly, as the chair of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, his focus was on encouraging critical academic studies related to issues relevant to the UAE and the region as a whole.
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
From a young age, His Highness developed a passion for Falcons. This interest then manifested into different projects and campaigns to protect not just Falcons, but other endangered species as well. The establishment and heading of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and his honorary presidency of the Abu Dhabi Environment Authority are a testament to his commitment to the cause.
The pursuit of clean energy in the UAE also reflects his vision. Multiple sources are used to create clean energy in the UAE and His Highness remains a strong supporter of using innovation to develop sustainable solutions.
At the World Future Energy Summit in 2009. H.H. spoke about the importance of updating energy sources:
“We have to strike a balance of responsibility between our duty to update other sources of energy, protecting the environment, protecting our environment and ensuring a proper legacy for the next generations.”
DEALING WITH THE COVID-19 CRISIS
When the world was struggling with the pandemic, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was a pillar of support for the nation. As the nation grappled with uncertainty, H.H. continued to offer words of reassurance and compansion:
“I’d like you to keep this in mind, this time shall pass,” he said in early 2020.
He also stated that the general public singing the national anthem to support frontline workers deeply moved him.
“Many residents on social media are singing our national anthem and I want to confess to all viewers that when I heard you, by God, I shed a tear.”
Overall, through considered restrictions, long-term planning and timely support for the masses, the UAE managed to keep the impact of COVID-19 to a minimum. Amongst his many life achievements thus far, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed al Nahyan would maybe consider leading the fight against COVID-19 among his most significant.
FAQS
WHERE CAN I READ ABOUT THE UAE’S ROYAL FAMILIES?
Want to know more about the ruling families of the UAE? Read our detailed guide to the Royal families of all seven UAE emirates.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UAE’S ROYAL FAMILIES?
The UAE’s Royal families have been the force behind tremendous growth and development in the country. Read our article on the contributions made by the Royal families of the UAE to learn all about this remarkable success story.
That concludes our profile on the life of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan thus far. As the UAE enters a new era, it is reassuring to know that the country’s 3rd President has always had his focus firmly on the prosperity and wellness of the public.
Continuing the remarkable legacy of his predecessor and brother, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a man of the people who is certain to thrive in his new role and destined to take his country to impressive new heights.
Images credit: Official Instagram account of President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
