Nahyan, Zayid bin Sultan al- (1918-2004), usually called Sheikh Zayid, served as president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 1971 until his death in 2004. He was raised as a member of the Bani Yas, a large group of related Arab families that rules Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He served his political apprenticeship as governor of Abu Dhabi’s eastern province from 1946 to 1966, when he deposed his brother Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan to become ruler. Sheikh Zayid’s major achievements included the integration of the seven formerly weak and undeveloped Trucial States into the much stronger federated United Arab Emirates. He unified their defense forces and used their oil revenues to raise living standards at home. He also helped other countries through foreign aid.
Sheikh Zayid was born on May 6, 1918, and died on Nov. 2, 2004. His eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayid, succeeded him as president of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi.
