Definition

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1948-2022) was the second President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, succeeding his father Sheikh Zayed in November 2004. His presidency was characterised by extensive constitutional and economic modernisation, including expanded political participation through Federal National Council elections, major infrastructure investments, and the consolidation of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth management apparatus.

UAE Context

Sheikh Khalifa oversaw a transformative period in UAE development. Under his leadership, Abu Dhabi launched its Economic Vision 2030, established Masdar City as a global clean energy hub, and initiated the Saadiyat Island cultural district project including the Louvre Abu Dhabi. He introduced FNC elections in 2006, expanded the electoral college in subsequent cycles, and approved constitutional amendments strengthening federal institutions. The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, established under his patronage, became a primary vehicle for Emirati entrepreneurship support.

Key Data

Sheikh Khalifa served as UAE President for nearly 18 years from 2004 to 2022. During his tenure, the UAE’s GDP grew from approximately USD 150 billion in 2004 to over USD 400 billion by 2022. He oversaw the completion of landmark projects including the Burj Khalifa — the world’s tallest structure, named in his honour — and the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the Arab world’s first commercial nuclear power facility.

Vision 2031 Significance

Sheikh Khalifa’s institutional reforms and economic diversification initiatives laid the structural groundwork for Vision 2031. His investments in education, renewable energy, and advanced technology infrastructure created the institutional capacity that current national strategies build upon.

Related Terms

• Sheikh Zayed — His father and the founding President whose legacy he continued.
• Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed — His brother and successor as UAE President.
• Khalifa Fund — The enterprise development fund established under his patronage.
• Burj Khalifa — The world’s tallest building, named in his honour.