Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan has departed from us physically, but he will remain in spirit and with a good legacy forever. Generations will remember him as a father, a leader, and a wise guide, due to his significant achievements in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in general, and particularly in the city of Al Ain, where he worked under his management and generous guidance.
He was the best at grasping the vision of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, and the methodology of Sheikh Khalifa in managing development and growth. He remained a pillar of support for Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his global vision and wise management of state affairs, always keen to attend his councils at most public and private events and official receptions despite his health conditions, until God chose him to be with Him.
The achievements of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan are numerous and invaluable. Through his representation of the ruler in the Al Ain region and his direct leadership of vital government institutions such as municipalities, agriculture, animal wealth, and city planning for over half a century, he made the city of Al Ain a pioneering model in modern urban planning. This included the launch of the first master plan project, and transportation studies from the beginning of 1981 until 2000, followed by the second master plan project from 2001 to 2015, and finally the third plan as part of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. He supervised the implementation steps of those planning projects and the incorporation of information technology in their performance.
At the same time, he was keen on caring for and preserving the heritage of the city of Al Ain, its natural landmarks, and its cultural legacy, highlighting it as an ancient historical city distinguished by its oases, falaj systems, forts, and castles. He personally followed up on the management, maintenance, and protection of these elements from any urban encroachment that could negatively affect them, obscure their features, and undermine their historical identity and distinctive character.
*Former Director of Al Ain Municipality and City Planning, Engineer Ahmed Mohammed Al-Sharif*
