The United Arab Emirates is a country that has amazed the entire world community. In less than a century, the state has changed. In place of tiny villages, modern megacities have appeared, each new building in the UAE has the prefix “the most”. This is the tallest tower in the world, the most luxurious fountain, the most expensive cars and much more. Over all this wealth stretch the hands of the rulers. Who are the sheikhs in the UAE, why are they valued and worshiped as deities.
Streets, mosques, airports and other objects are named after these people in the UAE. They are shown on television, photos can be seen in newspapers and on advertising posters. These are Sheikhs – the ruling elite. In this article we will talk about those who created and built the United Arab Emirates – the rulers of the country of the past, present and future. So who’s who in the UAE?
Contents
- Urgent news!
- Who is Sheikh
- Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
- Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed Al Nahyan
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Sheikha Fatima bint-Mubarak Al-Ketbi
- Dubai
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- Sheikh Hamdan ibn Mohammed Al Maktoum
- Sheikh Rashid ibn Said Al Maktoum
- Sharjah
- Sheikh Sultan ibn Mohammed Al Qasimi (Sultan III)
- Rass al Khaimah
- Sheikh Saud Ibn Saqr Al Qasimi
- Fujairah
- Sheikh Hamad ibn-Mohammed Al-Sharqi
- Umm al-Quwain
- Sheikh Saud ibn Rashid Al Maulla
- Ajman
- Sheikh Humaid ibn Rashid Al Nuaimi
Urgent news!
On May 13, 2022, the Emir of Abu Dhabi and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, died at the age of 73. Read more about it later in this article.
On May 14, 2022, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (half-brother of the deceased) took office as President of the UAE. Recall that earlier he was the crown prince, but de facto led the country. Read more about it later in this article.
Our readers are already asking us: “What will change in the UAE now?”
We answer: “Nothing will change.” The fact is that Sheikh Khalifa has not actually ruled the country and the emirate since 2014, when he suffered a stroke.
The emirate of Abu Dhabi and the country of the UAE have long been ruled by Sheikh Mohammed ibn Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al Maktoum, which you can also read about below in this article. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed simply changed his nominal title from “Crown Prince” to “Emir” and now officially assumed the presidency.
Mourning for the departed Sheikh Khalifa will last 40 days – until June 22, 2022. Attention! Entertainment events may be cancelled.
Who is Sheikh
At the word “Sheikh”, Russians imagine the ruler of an Arab (or even any Islamic) state. The presentation is not entirely correct. In fact, this title is given at birth to all representatives of the royal families of some Arab countries. Emphasizing the word “some”, for example, members of the royal family of Morocco do not bear the title of “Sheikh”.
Accordingly, there are seven emirates in the UAE, seven royal families, and each has tens or hundreds of people. The title of “Sheikh” is carried by more than a thousand people.
Abu Dhabi
The emirate of Abu Dhabi is ruled by the Al Nahyan family.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
May 6, 1918 – November 2, 2004.
The founder of the UAE and the first president of the country (Dec 2, 1971 – Nov 2, 2004), Emir of Abu Dhabi (Aug 6, 1966 – Nov 2, 2004).
It was Sheikh Zayed who used oil revenues and made the UAE from a “third world” country into a modern rich state. His ideas and values made the United Arab Emirates a country “for the citizens and for the sake of the citizens”.
The name of Sheikh Zayed is most often encountered by tourists. In the emirate of Abu Dhabi, a famous landmark is named after him – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque . The second largest mosque in the UAE is located in Fujairah and also bears his name. In Dubai, the main thoroughfare is called Sheikh Zayed Road. The city of Giza in Egypt even has a Sheikh Zayed City district in his honor.
It makes no sense to talk in detail about Sheikh Zayed on this page, it’s better to read our separate articles “ Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan Al Nahyan ” and “ History of the United Arab Emirates ”.
Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed Al Nahyan
September 7, 1948 – May 13, 2022.
President of the UAE (from November 3, 2004 – May 13, 2022), Emir of Abu Dhabi (from November 2, 2004 – May 13, 202213 May 2022).
Sheikh Zayed’s eldest son succeeded to the throne of Abu Dhabi upon his father’s death on November 2, 2004. At the time of accession, he was already 56 years old.
It would seem that at this age there is no longer any desire for reforms, however, Khalifa was able to change a lot in Abu Dhabi and all the Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Khalifa received a military education, he graduated from the Royal Academy Sandhurst (UK). On February 1, 1969, Khalifa was crowned Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and appointed Minister of Defense. It was Khalifa who created the army of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in its current modern form.
After the formation of the UAE in 1971, he served as Prime Minister of Abu Dhabi, Head of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Vice President of the UAE. In the late 80s, he became the head of the Supreme Petroleum Council, having received de facto full power over oil revenues in the UAE.
In the late 90s, Sheikh Zayed’s health no longer allowed him to perform all the functions of the President of the UAE. Khalifa became de facto President of the UAE and Emir of Abu Dhabi. On November 2, 2004, after the death of his father, Sheikh Khalifa inherited the throne, the next day (November 3) officially took office as President of the UAE.
Abu Dhabi changed under his rule. The dress code and the behavior of tourists began to be treated much softer. Many people remember that once in the UAE they did not put a man and a woman in the same room if they were not married. Or a female tourist was not allowed into the country without being accompanied by her husband, father or brother. Now all this is in the past. For a current list of code of conduct, see our article ” What tourists can’t do in the UAE “.
Many famous projects in Abu Dhabi were initiated or supported by Sheikh Khalifa. The brightest is Yas Island with Ferrari World park, Yas Mall shopping center , Yas Waterworld water park , Yas Marina race track . Saadiyat Island with art galleries, branches of the Louvre and Guggenheim museums.
In January 2014, Sheikh Khalifa suffered a stroke. The duties of the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Emir of Abu Dhabi began to be performed by his brother, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. On May 13, 2022, Sheikh Khalifa left us.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
March 11, 1961 – now live.
Officially, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Commander-in-Chief of the UAE Armed Forces.
In fact, the emir of Abu Dhabi, the president of the UAE.
Third son of Sheikh Zayed. An interesting point is that he and Khalifa are stepbrothers. Khalifa was born to his first wife, Hassa bint Mohammed ibn Khalifa. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed was born to his third wife, Fatima bint Mubarak Al-Ketbi.
Sheikhini Fatima bint-Mubarak Al-Ketbi had only 6 sons: Mohammed, Hamdan, Hazza, Tanun, Mansur and Abdullah. They are called “Bani Fatima” or “sons of Fatima” and form the most powerful bloc in the Al Nahyan family.
The sons of Fatima have always been influential, some political scientists even assign them a leading role in the changes in Abu Dhabi that have taken place since 2004. They received full power only in 2014, when Sheikh Khalifa had a stroke. Now it is difficult to say whether the vector of their domestic and foreign policy will change. Wait and see.
Mohammed bin Zayed went to school in Al Ain, then in Abu Dhabi. Entered Sandhurst Academy (UK) in 1979. Trained in military skills of piloting a helicopter, driving armored vehicles, parachuting. After returning from England, he underwent military training in Sharjah, became an officer in the UAE Armed Forces.
He was an officer in the Amiri Guards (an elite unit), a pilot in the UAE Air Force, and eventually became the Commander-in-Chief of the UAE Armed Forces.
In 2003, he was proclaimed the second Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. After the death of his father on November 2, 2004, he became crown prince. Since December 2004, Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, member of the Supreme Petroleum Council.
So far, world leaders and political scientists are eyeing Sheikh Mohammed. It is known that he believes that the UAE should play a much larger role in world politics. He loves falconry, like his father. He is interested in poetry and writes poetry himself in the Nabati style.
Sheikha Fatima bint-Mubarak Al-Ketbi
The third wife of Sheikh Zayed, the mother of six of his sons, including Crown Prince Mohammed (the de facto ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE).
This woman played a big role in UAE politics during the reign of her husband Sheikh Zayed, and remains very influential to this day. She is called the “Mother of the Nation”.
The exact date of her birth is unknown. She was probably born in the mid-40s in Al Ain . In the 60s, she married Zaid Al-Nahyan, becoming his third wife.
In 1973, she founded the Abu Dhabi Women’s Awakening Society, the first women’s community organization in the UAE. In 1975, she created and headed the Main Women’s Union of the UAE. The main sphere of interest of these organizations was education, because then girls in the UAE did not study at all. In 2004, Fatima facilitated the appointment of the first female minister.
Now she still heads the Main Women’s Union, the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the Family Development Foundation and several other organizations. And this despite the advanced age! Naturally, Fatima has a gigantic influence on the politics of Sheikh Mohammed and the affairs of the Bani Fatima.
Dubai
The emirate of Dubai is ruled by the Al Maktoum family.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
July 15, 1949 – now live.
The ruling Emir of Dubai (officially since January 4, 2006, actually since January 3, 1995), Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE since February 11, 2006.
Sheikh Mohammed is called the “Architect of Modern Dubai”. This is a very versatile educated person and is now the most famous leader in the UAE.
Mohammed became the third son of the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid ibn Said Al Maktoum. His mother Lafita was the daughter of the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Hamadan ibn Zayed Al Nahyan. As a child, Muhammad received both a secular and a traditional Islamic education. In 1966 (at the age of 18) he studied in the UK at the Mons Cadet Corps and in Italy as a pilot.
In 1968, Mohammed attended his father’s meeting with Sheikh Zayed at Argoub el Sedira, where the rulers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi agreed on the imminent establishment of the UAE. After the formation of the UAE, he was the Minister of Defense and the head of the police in Dubai.
On October 7, 1990, Mohammed’s father and the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid ibn Said, died. Power passed to the eldest son – Sheikh Maktum ibn Rashid, who was very fond of equestrian sports, was an excellent athlete, but did not reach for politics and government.
On January 4, 1995, Maktoum ibn Rashid appointed Mohammed as crown prince and, in fact, transferred power to him in the emirate of Dubai. On January 4, 2006, Maktoum ibn Rashid died of a heart attack, Mohammed ibn Rashid becomes the official ruler of Dubai.
The list of achievements of Muhammad ibn Rashid is huge. He diversified the economy of Dubai, now oil revenues account for only 4% of the emirate’s GDP, Dubai has become a shopping mecca second only to London, the largest trading and financial center.
With his support or on his initiative, the Burj Khalifa , Burj Al Arab , Dubai Mall , Dubai Fountains , Emirates airline, Dubai metro , Palm and World artificial islands, the world’s largest artificial harbor Jebel Ali, Dubai Internet City and more hundreds of other projects.
He became famous for his raids on enterprises, where he personally checked whether employees were in their places, and fired those who were absent. Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid is famous for his intolerance of corruption, and hundreds of officials were imprisoned for his rule, convicted of taking bribes and using their position for personal gain.
Sheikh Hamdan ibn Mohammed Al Maktoum
November 14, 1982 – now live.
Crown Prince of Dubai, Member of the Dubai Executive Council (since 2006).
Second son of Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid. The media, politicians and political scientists, economists and sociologists are now eyeing it. Of course, Sheikh Mohammed is healthy and active, but still he is already 72 years old, age can take its toll.
Studied at the Dubai Government School, Sandhurst Military Academy (Great Britain), London School of Economics. Diversely educated, known as a poet under the pseudonym “Fazza”.
While his actions are more ostentatious. He personally hoisted the UAE flag to the top of the Burj Khalifa following the announcement of the city of Dubai as the winner of the competition to host the World Expo 2020 . Established an award for photographers named after himself. Winner and prize-winner of international equestrian competitions.
A very popular personality – more than 12 million followers on Instagram. Account “faz3”, look, his page is interesting.
Almost nothing is known about his political views. It is assumed that in the event of accession, Hamdan will continue the line of his father.
Sheikh Rashid ibn Said Al Maktoum
June 11, 1912 – October 7, 1990.
First Prime Minister of the UAE (1971-1990), Emir of Dubai (1958-1990).
He is called the “Father of Dubai”, it was during his reign that Dubai turned from a small settlement along the Creek into a big city.
Sheikh Rashid famously said: “My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I ride a Mercedes, my son rides a Land Rover, his son will ride a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel.”
With this, Sheikh Rashid wanted to say that oil will run out in a generation, and something needs to be done about it. His son Mohammed ibn Rashid remembered his father’s words and “untied” Dubai’s economy from oil.
Sheikh Rashid was a co-author of the UAE, in 1968, together with Sheikh Zayed from Abu Dhabi, they agreed to create a single state, only then 5 more emirates joined them.
Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum is a legendary figure in Dubai.
Sharjah
The emirate of Sharjah is ruled by the Al Qasimi family.
Sheikh Sultan ibn Mohammed Al Qasimi (Sultan III)
July 2, 1939 – now live.
Emir of Sharjah (1972 – present), President of the University of Sharjah, President of the American University of Sharjah, Professor at the University of Exeter, Professor at the University of Cairo, Chairman of the Academy of Arabic in Sharjah.
He received his secondary education in Sharjah, Dubai and Kuwait. Then he studied at Cairo University with a degree in agriculture. Already being the ruler of Sharjah, he became twice a doctor of science at the University of Exeter (UK) and the University of Durham (UK).
He is also called Sheikh Doctor Sultan III. He is the most educated ruler in the UAE. It is not surprising that even before accession to Sharjah, Sultan III became the Minister of Education of the UAE.
A very interesting story about how Sultan III came to the throne. Until 1965, Sheikh Saqr ibn Sultan ruled in Sharjah, but in 1965 the British staged a coup and put Sheikh Khalid ibn Muhammad on the throne.
On January 24, 1972, Saqr ibn Sultan tried to regain the throne, organized a coup by a small military group, mostly Egyptian mercenaries. Recall that the UAE already existed by that time, President Sheikh Zayed strongly condemned the coup and sent the military from Dubai to Sharjah, led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (we wrote about him above in this article).
Army forces from Dubai quickly won, but the captive Sheikh Khalid was killed and Saqr was arrested. Sultan ibn Muhammad was the first heir to the throne and took the throne.
Rass al Khaimah
The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is ruled by the Al Qasimi family.
Sheikh Saud Ibn Saqr Al Qasimi
February 10, 1956 – now live.
Emir of Ras Al Khaimah (Oct 27, 2010 – present), Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah (2003-2010).
Saud became the fourth son of the famous Sheikh Saqr ibn Mohammed Al-Qasimi, who ruled the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah from 1948 to 2010. It would seem that the chances for the throne are small.
Saud received his secondary education in Ras al-Khaimah, then higher education in economics at the American University in Beirut and the University of Michigan (USA).
In 1979 he returned to his homeland and took up the post of “Head of the Sheikh’s Court”. The position suited the ambitious and talented Saud very well. He oversaw dozens of projects in the field of economics, education, healthcare, and very successfully. In 2003, his father appointed him as his heir, leaving his older brothers out of work.
On October 27, Sheikh Saqr died and Saud became emir.
Observant readers have noticed that the emirs of Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah have the same surname – Al-Qasimi. This is no coincidence, they are from the same genus.
The Al-Qasimi clan traces its history back to the 17th century, when they were the leaders of the pirates who kept the entire Persian Gulf at bay. In 1809, the British had to send a squadron to fight the Al Qasimi fleet. The pirate fleet was destroyed, and the region fell under the complete influence of the British Empire. However, the fleet was defeated, but the Al-Qasimi themselves remained in power, and two different branches of the family rule in Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah.
Fujairah
The emirate of Fujairah is ruled by the Al-Sharqi family.
Sheikh Hamad ibn-Mohammed Al-Sharqi
May 25, 1949 – now live.
Emir of Fujairah (1974–present), member of the Supreme Executive Council.
Sheikh Hamad was educated in England at Eastbourne School, then studied at the Mons Military Academy. After the formation of the UAE, from 1971 until accession in 1974, he headed the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Considered an excellent speaker in Arabic and English. Accompanied Sheikh Zayed at many international conferences. Very close to the Al Nahyan family (rulers of Abu Dhabi).
But he is even closer to the Al-Maktoum family (rulers of Dubai). His first wife is Sheikha Fatima bint Fani Al Maktoum. They have six children – three sons and three daughters. The eldest son Mohammed graduated from Webster University in London, on January 8, 2007 he was appointed crown prince.
The wife of Mohammed (son of Hamad and Crown Prince) Sheikha Lafita bint Mohammed Al Maktoum is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid (ruler of Dubai). They already have five children.
A comprehensively educated person, he strives to develop the emirate of Fujairah in all possible directions. The tourism industry, construction, agriculture, and the financial sector are developing well in the emirate.
Umm al-Quwain
The emirate of Umm el Quwain is ruled by the Al Maulla family.
Sheikh Saud ibn Rashid Al Maulla
October 1, 1952 – now live.
Emir Umm al-Quwain (January 2, 2009 – present), Member of the Supreme Executive Council.
He received his secondary education in Umm al-Quwain, higher education at Cairo University with a degree in economics.
In 1973, he began working at the UAE Foreign Ministry, and from 1977 he headed the Emir Guard of his emirate. In 1982, he was appointed crown prince and was, in fact, his father’s main assistant in managing the emirate. He ascended the throne after the death of his father on January 2, 2009.
He is married to the daughter of Sheikh Saud ibn Saqr Al Qasimi (ruler of Ras al Khaimah) and has ten sons.
Saud ibn Rashid has always supported the preservation of national traditions and cultural heritage. He loves camel racing and sea fishing. Even during his father’s reign, he worked in all areas – he founded several new departments in the emirate of Umm al-Quwain, introduced new technologies into the emirate’s management system, and developed services to the population.
Ajman
The emirate of Ajman is ruled by the Al Nuaimi family.
Sheikh Humaid ibn Rashid Al Nuaimi
1931 – now alive.
Emir of Ajman (Sep 6, 1981 – present), Member of the Supreme Executive Council.
He became the second son (and third child) of Sheikh Rashid, who ruled the emirate of Ajman from 1928 to 1981 (one of the world’s record-breaking monarchs). Back in the early 20th century, the population of Ajman did not “hold out” to 1000 inhabitants.
Successively, Sheikh Rashid (father) and Humaid (son) made Ajman a modern city. Humaid has been helping his father in running the emirate since the 60s, before the formation of the UAE. He ended up on the throne, beating his brother Ali.
Sheikh Humaid studied in Dubai, then at Cairo University. In an interview with GulfNews, he said: “Education is one of the blessings of our world.”
He also said: “Knowledge and education are associated with ethics and morality” and “Knowledge in the hands of young people must resist the negative trends of our world.” He is the founder of the prestigious UAE Education and Culture and Science Day Award, which has been awarded for over 30 years. Ajman University of Science and Technology is the second in the country.
Wife – Sheikha Fatima ibn-Zayd Al-Nahyan (from the family of the rulers of Abu Dhabi). They have six children – four boys and two girls
Tourism Specialist in the UAE. Higher professional education. Paperwork and booking tours in the UAE. Professional management of clients at all stages of the journey – from the application to the return.
