The Al Nahyan family is one of the most powerful families in the world, with its members holding key positions in the government, military, and business sectors of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This family, which is also known as the Abu Dhabi ruling family, has played a significant role in shaping the history and development of the UAE.

The Al Nahyan family has been ruling Abu Dhabi since the 18th century, when they first established their authority over the region.

The founder of the dynasty, Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa bin Nahyan, was a Bedouin tribal leader who united the tribes of Abu Dhabi and established a centralized government in the region.

Since then, the family has been passed down from generation to generation, with each new ruler bringing their own unique contributions to the family’s legacy.

Today, the family is headed by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has been the President of the UAE since 2004.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan (Image: Source)

Also Read: Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan: Bio, Net Worth (2023), Career Journey And Family

Nahyan Parents: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan and Sheikha Hassa

Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan was born in Abu Dhabi in 1948 to his parents, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan and Sheikha Hassa.[1]celebfamily

His father, Sheikh Zayed, was the President of UAE from 1971 to 2004, while his mother came from the prominent Al Qubaisi family.

Being the eldest son, Sheikh Nahyan had a significant role in the family and was groomed to continue his father’s legacy.

Early Life and Upbringing

Sheikh Nahyan was born and raised in Al Ain, one of the largest cities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. His father, Sheikh Zayed, was appointed as the ruler of the eastern region of Abu Dhabi in 1946.

Sheikh Zayed was a visionary leader who was determined to bring the Emirates into a federation. He was considered a relatively liberal ruler who allowed private media to operate in the country.

Influence of Sheikh Zayed

Sheikh Zayed was widely respected and loved by the people of the UAE, and he was instrumental in shaping the country’s future.

In 1999, while he was hospitalized and undergoing a series of diagnostic tests, the people of the UAE wrote him a personal thank-you letter, which reflected his impact on their lives.

Sheikh Zayed underwent a kidney transplant in 2000 at the Cleveland Clinic in the U.S. Unfortunately, he passed away on 2 November 2004, at the age of 85.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan (Image: Source)

Legacy and Succession

After Sheikh Zayed’s death, his eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, succeeded him as the ruler of the United Arab Emirates.

Sheikh Nahyan, being the elder brother of Sheikh Khalifa, played an important role in the family’s affairs and the government’s functioning. He continued his father’s vision of transforming the country into a modern and prosperous nation.

Final Resting Place

Sheikh Zayed was buried in the courtyard of the new Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, which was named after him to commemorate his legacy.

The mosque is one of the largest in the world and is a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage and Islamic traditions.

Also Read: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan: Bio, Family Details, Career Journey, Football Investments 

Abu Dhabi Rulers List

  • 1761–1793: Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa Al Nahyan[2]wikipedia
  • 1793–1816: Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab Al Nahyan
  • 1816–1818: Sheikh Muhammad bin Shakhbut Al Nahyan
  • 1818–1833: Sheikh Tahnun bin Shakhbut Al Nahyan
  • 1833–1845: Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut Al Nahyan
  • 1845–1855: Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnun Al Nahyan
  • 1855–1909: Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
  • 1909–1912: Sheikh Tahnun bin Zayed Al Nahyan
  • 1912–1922: Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan
  • 1922–1926: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan
  • 1926–1928: Sheikh Saqr bin Zayed Al Nahyan
  • 1928–1966: Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan
  • 1966–2004: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
  • 2004–2022: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
  • 2022–present: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Abu Dhabi Rulers

Abu Dhabi Rulers (Image: Source)

Abu Dhabi: A City Ruled by the Noble Al Nahyan Family

Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is known for its opulence, grandeur, and cultural heritage.[3]bayut

It is a city that is steeped in history and ruled by the prestigious Al Nahyan family. Let’s take a closer look at the city’s roots and the royal family that governs it.

 

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The Al Nahyan Family: Descendants of the Bani Yas Tribe

The Al Nahyan family, rulers of Abu Dhabi, are descendants of the Bani Yas tribe, a powerful familial tribe that originated from Liwa Oasis, an area in present-day UAE.

In 1793, the tribe migrated to Abu Dhabi and settled in Qasr Al Hosn, one of the oldest buildings in the UAE.

The tribe’s branch, known as the House of Al Falahi, produced several notable figures, including H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, and the current President of the UAE, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The passing of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 13th May 2022 brought H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the forefront as the current President of the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed is a prominent figure in the UAE, having previously served as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Mohamed bin Zayed

Mohamed bin Zayed (Image: Source)

During his tenure, he oversaw the transformation of the UAE military into a high-tech force, emphasizing training, organizational structure, defense capacity, and strategic planning.

Sheikh Mohammed’s interests extend beyond military matters.

He has worked to enhance the influence of the UAE on the international stage and maintains a keen interest in poetry, lending his support to many literary and cultural events.

With H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the helm, the UAE is poised to continue to play a prominent role on the global stage.

The UAE’s royal families are working tirelessly towards the nation’s prosperity and the betterment of its citizens.

Abu Dhabi, with its rich cultural heritage and grandeur, is set to remain an important player in the Middle East and the world.

Mohamed bin Zayed

Mohamed bin Zayed (Image: Source)

ABU DHABI ROYAL FAMILY

  • Ruling Family: Al Nahyan
  • Descendants of: Bani Yas Tribe (House of Al Falahi)
  • Current Ruler: H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

FAQs

Who is the Al Nahyan family?

The Al Nahyan family is one of the most powerful families in the world, with its members holding key positions in the government, military, and business sectors of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Who is Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan?

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the current head of the Al Nahyan family and has been the President of the UAE since 2004. He succeeded his father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was the President of the UAE from 1971 to 2004.

Who was Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan?

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the father of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the former President of the UAE from 1971 to 2004. He was a visionary leader who played a significant role in shaping the history and development of the UAE. He was widely respected and loved by the people of the UAE, and he was instrumental in transforming the country into a modern and prosperous nation.

Where was Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan buried?

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was buried in the courtyard of the new Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, which was named after him to commemorate his legacy. The mosque is one of the largest in the world and is a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage and Islamic traditions.

What is the history of Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and is known for its opulence, grandeur, and cultural heritage. It is a city that is steeped in history and ruled by the prestigious Al Nahyan family. The Al Nahyan family, rulers of Abu Dhabi, are descendants of the Bani Yas tribe, a powerful familial tribe that originated from Liwa Oasis, an area in present-day UAE. The family has been ruling Abu Dhabi since the 18th century, and the city has undergone significant development under their leadership.

Read More: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (UAE Foreign Minister): Biography, Net Worth (2023)

References