A Timeline of the Late Sheikh Khalifa Al Nahyan Life and Achievements

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan passed away at 73 on Friday 13th of May. To honor his memory, here's a timeline of his life from the official website of UAE Embassy.

1948: HH Sheikh Khalifa is born in the inland oasis-city of Al Ain.

1966: HH Sheikh Khalifa is appointed Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi and Head of the Courts Department in Al Ain.

1969: HH Sheikh Khalifa is nominated Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and appointed Head of the Abu Dhabi Department of Defense, directing the Abu Dhabi Defense Force (ADDF) and later the UAE Armed Forces.

1971: HH Sheikh Khalifa is appointed Prime Minister of Abu Dhabi and Minister of Defense and Finance.

1974: HH Sheikh Khalifa is appointed first Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. In this role, he leads a wide-ranging development program in the emirate, including the construction of housing, water supplies, and infrastructure, leading to the emergence of the modern Abu Dhabi that exists today.

1976: HH Sheikh Khalifa is nominated Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces following the unification of the armed forces of the Emirates. He proceeds to develop the country’s defensive capability, establishing military training institutions and procuring the most advanced technology. 

Sheikh Khalifa establishes the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to manage the financial investments of the emirate and ensure a stable and prosperous future.

1979: HH Sheikh Khalifa decides to alleviate the burden on citizens of repaying commercial bank loans, leading to him establishing the Abu Dhabi Department of Social Services and Commercial Building in 1981. 

1991: HH Sheikh Khalifa establishes the Private Loans Authority to further support citizens in building residential and commercial properties.

2004: HH Sheikh Khalifa is elected President of the UAE, succeeding his father, founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

2006: HH Sheikh Khalifa oversees the restructuring of the UAE Cabinet, with Vice-President and Dubai Ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum becoming Prime Minister.

2010: Burj Dubai is renamed Burj Khalifa in honor of HH Sheikh Khalifa.

2012: In 2012, HH Sheikh Khalifa launched Absher initiative to enhance the participation of UAE citizens in the labour market.

2014: The Emirates Polio Campaign was launched under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to provide help and humanitarian assistance to the people of Pakistan and support their development initiatives for a better future.

2015: Under the directions of Sheikh Khalifa, the UAE Cabinet approved the designation of 2015, as the Year of Innovation.