A leader of wisdom, vision and tolerance
Since November 2004, Khalifa was a steadying influence in matters of state, guiding the UAE through nearly two decades of unprecedented growth, challenges and achievements. He provided security, stability and prosperity to his people in difficult times, thanks to the values he imbibed from Zayed, his father
The nation is united in grief on the announcement of the death of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. On November 2, 2004, on the death of his father, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Khalifa was named Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A day later, on November 3, 2004, he was elected President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces by the members of the Supreme Council.
Since then, Shaikh Khalifa had been a source of leadership, wisdom, inspiration, tolerance and national guidance, a gentle hand on the tiller as the ship of state eased through the waters of progress.
Shaikh Khalifa always put the well-being of his nation and its people first, determined that they should enjoy the bounty of the fruits of those who lead.
Shaikh Khalifa was a determined champion of all his people’s needs. He ensured housing was plentiful and available to all citizens and that schools provided the best education to Emirati children so that they had the best foundation possible in life.
Shaikh Khalifa was also determined to protect the environment and the UAE’s unique natural landscape. He ensured that the rich tapestry of the UAE’s history and heritage was preserved for all.
Shaikh Khalifa also put the UAE at the centre of research and innovation in renewable energy. The UAE’s hospitals and care centres are today counted among the best in the world thanks to his efforts.
Along with securing the economic wellbeing of his people, Shaikh Khalifa also strengthened the role and resources of the UAE Armed Forces, thereby creating a nation where a just and open government ensures that peace and prosperity go hand in hand with dignity and respect for all.
Across the Arab world, where the virtues he personified can be seen in the charitable and humanitarian works of the UAE government, there is a profound sadness that pervades every place where the black, green, white and red flag of the UAE has flown; over camps for those affected by political strife; over kitchens where the hungry are fed; over hospitals where the sick and desperate are given aid and treatment; and over schools where the precious gift of learning is bestowed on those born in divided and underprivileged societies where education is a luxury and not a fundamental right of all.
Around the world, where roads link isolated communities, where wells are deep and water sweet, where electricity is a constant, where bridges are no longer swept away in spring torrents or winter storms, Shaikh Khalifa touched the lives of tens of thousands of people with his generosity, leadership and belief that the UAE can and does make a difference.
Early years
Shaikh Khalifa was born in Al Muwaiji Fort, Al Ain, in 1948. Though Al Muwaiji village was then a small place compared to the other villages in the cluster of oases dominated by Al Ain and Al Buraimi, it was, nevertheless, a centre of influence for the Al Bu Falah subsection of the Bani Yas tribal confederation and the Al Nahyan ruling family in the numerous oases of the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi as well as in the interior of eastern Arabia.
Shaikh Khalifa spent his early childhood years in this fort, which still stands opposite the Court (diwan) of the Ruler’s Representative on the outskirts of Al Ain, and in which his late father had settled in his youth in 1946 after being assigned by his brother, Shaikh Shakhbout Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to be the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region.
The oasis of Al Ain, where Shaikh Khalifa spent his early years, was a place of strategic and vital economic significance for Abu
Dhabi. It was a main agricultural hub and major strategic centre for the security of the region as it was positioned at the crossroads that linked the coast to the interior of eastern Arabia.
The task of Shaikh Zayed at that time was to take leadership of the tribes there and in the surrounding region, to ensure internal stability and security, to consolidate state authority, and to bring prosperity to the tribes despite the paucity of resources.
My father is my teacher. I learn something from him every day, follow his path and absorb from him his values, and the need for patience and prudence in all things. Shaikh Khalifa in 1990
Shaikh Khalifa, was born in Al Muwaiji Fort in Al Ain, and spent his early childhood years there. It still stands opposite the Court of the Ruler’s Representative on the outskirts of Al Ain.
Public office
After Shaikh Zayed became Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966, he appointed Shaikh Khalifa as Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, a delegation of authority that was seen as a mark of the high confidence he had in his son, who started his long career in public service with skill.
On February 1, 1969, Shaikh Khalifa was named Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. He was named a day later to head the defence department of the emirate, coinciding with the formation of the Abu Dhabi Defence Force, which was later to form the nucleus of the UAE Armed Forces. In May 1976, he was named Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
After Shaikh Zayed became Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966, he appointed Shaikh Khalifa as Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, a delegation of authority seen as a mark of the high confidence he had in his son.
Achievements
Shaikh Khalifa’s character and ideals are based on his father, from whom he learnt and gained experience in leadership. Therefore he was well able to take on his new responsibilities when became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi following Shaikh Zayed’s death on November 2, 2004, and the next day was elected UAE President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces by the Supreme Council members.
Throughout his long years in government, Shaikh Khalifa exhibited the same unique characteristics inspired by his father, based on a modest and open management style. In the region, Shaikh Khalifa was a strong supporter of the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council, believing that the success and achievements of this body reflect the depth of understanding reached among its leaders.
A keen supporter of the regional policy of Shaikh Zayed, in particular in terms of promoting solidarity between the Arab states, Shaikh Khalifa was firmly committed to support of the Palestinian people and also of moves designed to promote and restore stability in Iraq.
His key objectives as UAE President, Shaikh Khalifa said, was to continue on the path set down by his father. In particular, he said, he would continue with the ‘open door’ policy and with the practice of holding regular consultations with the country’s citizens, so that he may become aware of, and follow up on, their needs and concerns.
When the UAE and Dubai were awarded the right to host Expo 2020, Shaikh Khalifa expressed pride at the international recognition in the following words:
“It is a day of expressing our gratitude to great men, who laid down the foundation of a successful state whose achievements have taken the world by surprise and for providing its citizens with sources of strength and welfare,” he said.
On his death, his words ring true still.
Shaikh Khalifa was a strong supporter of the Gulf Cooperation Council, believing that the success and achievements of this body reflect the depth of understanding reached amongst its leaders.