Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

After the discovery of oil in Abu Dhabi in the 1950s, Zayed directed oil revenues toward building modern infrastructure: roads, hospitals, schools, and housing. This transformed Abu Dhabi from a poor region into a wealthy state.

Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as ruler of Abu Dhabi, played a key role in uniting seven emirates to form the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971. He became the first President, a position he held until his death.

Zayed established the Zayed International Prize for the Environment and implemented policies to protect wildlife and habitats, including the creation of nature reserves. He was a pioneer in environmentalism in the Gulf region.

Zayed supported women's education and employment, appointing women to government positions and promoting their participation in the workforce. These reforms were progressive for the region at the time.

Zayed died on November 2, 2004, after a long illness. His funeral drew massive crowds, and he was mourned as the founding father of the UAE. His legacy includes a stable, prosperous federation.