On Saturday, the Supreme Council of the Union unanimously elected Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the President of the United Arab Emirates. The council announced during a meeting at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi, chaired by Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the State, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, that “under Article 51 of the Constitution, Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan was unanimously elected President of the UAE, succeeding the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.” The members of the Supreme Council underscored their strong commitment to uphold the true values and principles established by the late Sheikh, drawn from the founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which solidified the UAE's status at both the regional and global levels and enhanced its various national achievements.
Equipped with a rich history of giving and accomplishments, as well as abundant love and loyalty from the people of the UAE, Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan assumes the presidency of the state. He becomes the third president in the history of the country, following the passing of his brother, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday. Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan has made significant contributions to the renaissance, construction, and development seen in the country, particularly in the development of the UAE Armed Forces, having graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom in 1979 and subsequently held several positions, culminating in his appointment as Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces in January 2005.
Since being appointed Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in November 2004, he has been regarded as the driving force behind numerous initiatives that contributed to the rapid economic and social transformation of Abu Dhabi, which in turn boosted economic growth and diversification and strengthened comprehensive development in the UAE. His efforts have not been limited to Abu Dhabi but have extended to support the overall development journey of the nation, allowing the fruits of prosperity and development to reach all its citizens.
On the international front, Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan has left a mark in human history through numerous historic initiatives and humanitarian stances, contributing to the spread of a culture of tolerance and peace globally, diffusing various crises, and countering extremist ideologies.
### Birth and Upbringing
Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan was born in Al Ain city on March 11, 1961. He is the third son of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding President of the UAE. He grew up under the care of his father and mother, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. His full name is Muhammad bin Zayed bin Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout bin Diab bin Isa bin Nahyan bin Falah bin Yaas.
### Tasks and Responsibilities
At the age of eighteen, Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed completed his studies between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, progressing through the educational stages in schools in the UAE and the UK. In 1979, he graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he received training in armored warfare, helicopter aviation, tactical aviation, and paratroopers, before joining the officer training course in Sharjah. He held several positions in the UAE Armed Forces, starting as an officer in the Presidential Guard - the elite forces of the UAE - progressing through ranks to serve as Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense, and Deputy Chief of Staff before becoming Chief of Staff in 1993, subsequently attaining the rank of Lieutenant General a year later.
In January 2005, he assumed the position of Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and was promoted to the rank of General. Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed has significantly contributed to the development of the UAE Armed Forces in terms of strategic planning, training, organizational structure, and strengthening the state’s defensive capabilities, inspired by the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed and his late brother Sheikh Khalifa.
In addition to his military responsibilities, Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed served as the chief advisor on security affairs to his father, the late Sheikh Zayed.
### Pioneering Roles
Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan has also held several political, economic, and legislative positions in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. He was appointed Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in November 2004 and assumed the presidency of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi in December of the same year, which is responsible for setting the emirate's general policy. Prior to this, he served as Deputy Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi from November 2003 to November 2004 and Deputy Head of the Executive Council from January 2004 to December 2004.
Known for his efforts to enhance educational standards in Abu Dhabi to meet the highest international benchmarks, since becoming Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Education Council in September 2005, he has tirelessly worked to establish partnerships with prestigious educational institutions and think tanks globally.
### International Initiatives
Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s international initiatives have contributed to fostering a culture of tolerance and peace worldwide, alleviating several crises, and standing firm against extremism. Notable among these is his sponsorship of the Document on Human Fraternity, signed in the UAE on February 4, 2019, which has since become an internationally celebrated day. His humanitarian initiatives encompass various brokering roles to manage tensions globally, including his mediation in the longest conflict in Africa between Ethiopia and Eritrea in July 2018.
### Active Political Movement
Currently, Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan is leading a continuous and intensive Emirati political and diplomatic movement aimed at resolving Arab and international crises and seeking qualitative solutions that contribute to global security and stability. This collaboration is evident in the 19 Emirati international summits he has held with regional and global leaders over the past two months, alongside continuous telephone discussions.
His efforts signify a clear Emirati message of commitment to global peace and stability, drawing attention to alleviating tensions in contested areas and supporting humanitarian causes worldwide, as seen in Ukraine, Palestine, Yemen, or any country needing assistance, alongside promoting solidarity and tolerance.
### Awards and Honors
In recognition of his efforts and initiatives that have contributed to fostering a culture of tolerance and peace, and easing several crises, Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan has received numerous certificates, honors, and medals from the UAE and multiple countries, including Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Morocco, Malaysia, Pakistan, the USA, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, South Korea, Montenegro, Kosovo, and the United Nations. Most recently, he received the "Statesman Researcher" award from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in November, recognized for securing the peace agreement between the UAE and Israel and his commitment to expanding religious tolerance in his country.
Recognizing an exceptional leader whose contributions are universally acknowledged, the Vatican awarded him the "Man of Humanity" medal in July of last year. Additionally, he was named the "Best International Figure in Humanitarian Relief" in March and was honored as the "Most Prominent Arab Leader" in a survey that took place in 2019.
For these initiatives and many others, Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum declared that “the true model that will carry the legacy of Zayed in tolerance and reinforce the UAE as an inspiring global model for humanity in this field is Muhammad bin Zayed.”
