Journey of an Emirate Aspiration of Unity

A hundred years ago, on the 19th May 1909, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa passed away leaving the legacy of a leading emirate and a vision for unity. He was the ruler of Abu Dhabi for 54 years between 1855 and 1909.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa was a leader who shaped history, a leader who’s impact inspired generations after him, a leader of excellent ancestral heritage, he is Zayed bin Khalifa bin Shakhbut bin Dhiab bin Issa bin Nahyan bin Falah bin Yas.
The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage is honoured to commemorate Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa in a campaign lasting a whole year. The campaign shall include events and activities to raise awareness and highlight the achievements of this great leader.

In 1855, Sheikh Zayed the First was chosen as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. He ruled the emirate for 54 years.
Sheikh Zayed the First was regarded by contemporaries in the East Arabian Peninsula as a hero and a powerful ruler.
Renowned for the just way in which he ruled, Sheikh Zayed the First was quick-witted with a very persuasive manner. He spared no effort to avoid major crises, in many instances acting as a mediator between fighting tribes.
Ship building and pearl diving flourished during his reign and the resulting prosperity helped foster cultural advances. The Emirate’s first school was built, together with the impressive fort at Al Jahili.

Sheikh Zayed the First was seen as the “strong man” of the region, a reputation that earned him the accolade ‘the Great’.
During his reign, Abu Dhabi grew in size and importance.
Political stability brought economic growth as the population engaged in activities such as pearling, trading and shipbuilding, spreading a new sense of peace and prosperity throughout the emirate.
As a concomitant of these commercial, economic and political advances, a flourishing cultural movement emerged with a number of important poets.