Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

c. 1918 – 2 November 2004

Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1966 until his death in 2004 and the first president of the United Arab Emirates from its formation in December 1971. He led the negotiations that brought together the Trucial States into a federation and directed the use of oil revenues to build infrastructure, schools and hospitals. He remained head of state for more than three decades.

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Life events

Born in Al Ain, in the Trucial State of Abu Dhabi
c. 1918

The youngest of four sons of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; his exact date of birth is not recorded.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Appointed the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi
1946 – 1966

He administered Al Ain and the surrounding oases on behalf of his brother, the ruler Shakhbut bin Sultan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Oversaw restoration of the falaj irrigation channels at Al Ain
c. 1950

He funded the repair of the traditional water channels and encouraged agriculture in the oases.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became Ruler of Abu Dhabi
August 1966

He succeeded his brother Shakhbut bin Sultan, who was deposed by the ruling family with British support.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Agreed with the ruler of Dubai to form a federation
February 1968

He and Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum announced a union of their emirates and invited the other Trucial States to join, after Britain declared it would withdraw from the Gulf.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Became the first President of the United Arab Emirates
2 December 1971 – 2 November 2004

The federation of emirates was established on 2 December 1971 and he was chosen as its president.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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The United Arab Emirates became a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council
May 1981

The council was established in Abu Dhabi in May 1981 by six Gulf states.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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The provisional constitution of the United Arab Emirates was made permanent
1996

The Federal National Council and the rulers agreed to adopt the 1971 provisional constitution as the permanent constitution, with Abu Dhabi named the capital.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Abu Dhabi
2 November 2004

He was succeeded as ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates by his son Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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