Nahyan, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-

Emir of Abu Dhabi 1969–2004 and first president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 1971–2004. Considered the father of his nation, he is credited with building a modern infrastructure and establishing the prosperity of the UAE during his rule.

He was governor 1946–66 of the eastern province of Abu Dhabi, one of seven Trucial States in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman, then under British protection. He deposed his brother, Sheikh Shakhbut, to become emir of Abu Dhabi. An absolute ruler but relatively liberal ruler, he was re-elected emir in 1976, 1981, 1986, and 1991 by other UAE sheikhs, among whom he enjoyed considerable popularity.