Head of the UAE since 2004
Sheikh Khalifa was a very generous ruler who always looked after the problems of the people and focused on solving them. He became the President of the country after the death of his father in 2004, making the UAE one of the leading countries in the world through his imaginative development projects. He was the second President of the UAE and the 16th Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Born in September 1948 in Al Ain
Sheikh Khalifa was born on September 7, 1948, in the village of Al Muwaiji in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. He was a member of the ruling Al Nahyan family and was the first son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Hisa bint Muhammad bin Khalifa. Khalifa’s primary education was at the first school in Al Ain, built by his father. Sheikh Khalifa spent his childhood with him in the shadow of his father, who was the ruler of Al Ain at the time. The result was Sheikh Khalifa’s interest in governance and the welfare of the people. His association with the Majlis, a public forum, also helped him to hone his skills.
At the administrative level from the age of eighteen
In August 1966, when Sheikh Zayed’s father became the ruler of Abu Dhabi, his son Sheikh Khalifa handed over control of the eastern region of Abu Dhabi. He was also appointed President of the Department of Justice. Sheikh Khalifa was 18 years old at the time. These were the days of growth for Al Ain. He carried out important projects in the development of agriculture and infrastructure and has been hailed as the best ruler ever since. He was subsequently appointed executive head of the UAE ruler, overseeing major development projects.
Architect of the UAE Defense Forces
On February 1, 1969, his father, Sheikh Khalifa, was nominated for the crown of Abu Dhabi. The next day, he was appointed head of the Abu Dhabi Defense Department. He was the founder of the Abu Dhabi Defense Force, which later became the backbone of the UAE Defense Forces. Sheikh Khalifa was subsequently ousted as head of the cabinet, defense minister and finance minister following the 1971 coup. He became the second Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE on December 23, 1973 and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council on January 20, 1974. In May 1976, he was appointed Deputy Commander of the UAE Armed Forces under the President. He also founded the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in 1976.
Fellow of the Administrative Reforms
Since becoming President of the UAE in 2004, he has introduced a number of innovative projects. Importantly, the Federal National Council adopted a democratic system of electing its members. It was also during his tenure that women were given 50 per cent representation in Parliament. Sheikh Khalifa is also one of the richest rulers in the world. As chairman of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, he has assets worth $ 575 billion.
The ruler who united the Malayalees
At the age of 73, Sheikh Khalifa left to present to the world the modern UAE that his father had dreamed of. Sheikh Khalifa, who was loved and respected by all, was also a ruler who united the expatriate community. His heartfelt devotion to the Malayalee community in particular has been much discussed. This is evidenced by the fact that many Malayalees served in his office, palace and personal staff.
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