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Mohammed bin Zayed: Policymaker of the Modern UAE, Godfather of Economic Diversity

Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrives in London, on Sept. 16, 2021. (AP)
Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrives in London, on Sept. 16, 2021. (AP)
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Mohammed bin Zayed: Policymaker of the Modern UAE, Godfather of Economic Diversity

Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrives in London, on Sept. 16, 2021. (AP)
Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrives in London, on Sept. 16, 2021. (AP)

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is the third president of the United Arab Emirates and the driving force behind the country's modern policies.

He is the third youngest brother to late President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.

In the past decade, he represented his country at various negotiations tackling several sectors, such as energy, defense, investment and politics, taking over from Sheikh Khalifa after he suffered a stroke in 2014.

Sheikh Mohamed also worked on bolstering the UAE's international relations, through his meeting with world leaders and participation at international events.

He is the third son of the UAE's founder and first president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He is married and a father to four sons and five daughters.

He was born on March 10, 1961. At 18, he completed his school education in Abu Dhabi and al-Ain. He completed his higher studies in the UAE and UK.

In 1979, he graduated from the UK's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In the UAE, he joined the armed forces, rising up the ranks until becoming supreme commander of the UAE armed forces.

He played a major role in developing the armed forces in terms of strategic planning, training, organizational structure and bolstering state defenses. His leadership and role helped transform the UAE armed forces into a pioneering institutions that is recognized by several international military institutions.

Sheikh Mohammed also occupies several political, legislative and economic positions in the UAE. He is known to have exerted major efforts in improving educational standards in Abu Dhabi, allowing it to become among the best internationally.

As Chairman of the Department of Education and Knowledge, he sought to establish partnerships with world renowned educational institutions. Many of them have since opened branches in Abu Dhabi.

On the economic level, he worked directly in drafting economic development plans, focusing on diversifying sources of income away from oil.

In 2015, he famously told the Government Summit in Dubai: "Our best bet at this period of time where we have wealth is to invest all our resources in education."

"There will be a time, 50 years from now, when we load the last barrel of oil aboard the ship. The question is, 50 years from now after we have loaded this last barrel of oil, are we going to feel sad? If our investment today is right, I think we will celebrate that moment."

Sheikh Mohammed also played a major role in bolstering the role of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in searching for development sectors across the UAE. He played a major role in global investments by joining ventures that align with Abu Dhabi's visions.

He has played a significant role in localizing technologies and providing jobs, especially in the oil, gas, petrochemicals, military industries, entertainment and tourism sectors.

His efforts breathed life in the oil, industry, sports, tourism and cultural sectors, cementing Abu Dhabi and the UAE's position as the second strongest in the Arab world.

Sheikh Mohammed has been recognized for his role in bolstering tolerance between various religions and sects. He paid a visit to the Vatican in 2016 and welcomed Pope Francis to the UAE in 2019, in the first papal visit to the Arabian peninsula.

He played a regional and international role in combating violent extremism and was a main signatory of the peace agreement signed between the UAE and Israel in 2020.

Sheikh Mohammed is passionate about nature and falconry. He is the founder and chairman of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and honorary president of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.

He has championed the preservation of the environment, adopting several renewable energy projects, notably the futuristic city of Masdar in Abu Dhabi.

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Gulf

UAE Condemns Attack on its Consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan

A general view shows the Dukan dam in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
A general view shows the Dukan dam in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
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UAE Condemns Attack on its Consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan

A general view shows the Dukan dam in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
A general view shows the Dukan dam in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)

The UAE slammed the targeting of its consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan for the second time in a week, the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement Saturday.

"The United Arab Emirates expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the treacherous terrorist attack by a drone, which targeted the UAE Consulate General in Iraqi Kurdistan, for the second time in a week, and resulted in the injury of two security personnel and caused damage to the consulate building," it said.

Iraq's Kurdistan regional government later denounced the attack, labelling it "a terrorist act that threatens the sovereignty of Kurdish and Iraqi territory.”

It urged Baghdad to fulfil its responsibility and put an end to the activities of "armed groups and militias targeting residents" in the Kurdistan region and across Iraq.

Gulf

Kuwait: Drones Cause Damage, Injuries Near US Base

Vehicles drive along a highway during a heavy rain in Kuwait City on March 12, 2026. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
Vehicles drive along a highway during a heavy rain in Kuwait City on March 12, 2026. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
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Kuwait: Drones Cause Damage, Injuries Near US Base

Vehicles drive along a highway during a heavy rain in Kuwait City on March 12, 2026. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
Vehicles drive along a highway during a heavy rain in Kuwait City on March 12, 2026. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)

Two drones targeted an airbase in Kuwait housing US military staff, injuring Kuwaiti personnel and causing damage, the defense ministry said on Saturday.

"Three members of the armed forces sustained minor injuries" after the attack on Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base, spokesperson Brigadier General Saud Al-Otaibi said in a statement.

The base is near Camp Arifjan, a major US facility.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Downs 60 Drones, Two Killed in Oman

The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
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Saudi Arabia Downs 60 Drones, Two Killed in Oman

The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Gulf air defenses continued on Friday to intercept Iranian missiles and drones in attacks that have persisted for two weeks, striking residential areas, civilian facilities and critical infrastructure and causing casualties and material damage.

Gulf states said they remain fully prepared to confront any threats and will respond firmly to attempts to undermine their security, stressing their determination to safeguard sovereignty, stability and national interests.

Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), warned the Iranian attacks could have negative repercussions for the global economy and the stability of international markets. He said the danger extends beyond Gulf security and threatens international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement issued Friday after separate ministerial meetings held by video conference with Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Britain, Albudaiwi said targeting commercial vessels and key maritime routes poses a direct threat to freedom of navigation and exposes global trade and energy security to serious risks.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Defense Ministry Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said air defenses intercepted and destroyed 62 drones from early Friday until 8:00 p.m. local time.

Twenty-eight drones were shot down after entering Saudi airspace, 20 in the Eastern Province, seven across the Eastern and Central regions, three in Al-Kharj governorate, three in Al-Kharj and the Empty Quarter, and one while attempting to approach the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh.

Oman

An Omani security source said two drones crashed in the Wilayat of Sohar. One fell in the Al-Awahi industrial area, killing two expatriates and injuring others, while the second landed in an open area without causing casualties.

The source, cited by the Oman News Agency, praised the cooperation of citizens and residents in avoiding the spread of images and rumors and relying on official sources, adding that all efforts are being mobilized to protect the Sultanate and those living in it.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE said its air defenses intercepted seven ballistic missiles and 27 drones launched from Iran on Friday, bringing the total since the start of the attacks to 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,567 drones.

The Defense Ministry said the attacks have left six people dead — including Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals — and 141 injured with minor to moderate wounds among people of multiple nationalities.

The ministry later said air defenses were continuing to intercept incoming missiles and drones from Iran, adding that sounds heard in parts of the country were caused by ballistic missile defense systems and fighter jets engaging drones and cruise missiles.

It said it remains fully prepared to confront any threats and will act firmly against any attempt to undermine the country’s security.

Dubai’s government media office said authorities dealt early Friday with a minor incident caused by debris from an intercepted aerial object that struck the facade of a building in central Dubai, with no injuries reported.

The UAE Civil Aviation Authority said flight operations were gradually resuming, urging travelers to check with airlines before heading to the airport.

It said 1.4 million passengers passed through the country’s airports between March 1 and March 12, with 7,839 flight movements recorded. National carriers have restored 44.6% of their previous operating levels.

Bahrain

Bahrain’s Defense Force said air defense systems continued to confront successive waves of Iranian attacks, adding that 115 missiles and 191 drones targeting the country have been intercepted and destroyed since the start of the assault.

The command described the use of ballistic missiles and drones against civilian sites and private property as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter, warning the attacks pose a direct threat to regional peace and security.

Authorities urged the public to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid damaged areas and suspicious objects, refrain from photographing military operations or debris sites and rely only on official information.

Kuwait

Kuwait’s Defense Ministry Spokesperson, Colonel Saud Al-Atwan, said one hostile ballistic missile was detected over the past 24 hours outside the threat zone, posing no danger and causing no damage.

He said monitoring of potential aerial threats continues as part of defensive measures to protect the country’s airspace.

Interior Ministry Spokesperson Brigadier Nasser Bousleib said authorities detected individuals using drones for aerial filming in violation of previously announced instructions, warning that such actions hinder security and military efforts and that violators will face legal action.

Bomb disposal teams handled 16 reports in the past 24 hours linked to debris from intercepted projectiles, bringing the total number of reports since the start of the Iranian attacks to 372.

Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad said the country’s health situation remains stable, with hospitals and health centers operating at full capacity and medical teams ready to respond to any emergency.

He said two people were injured on Thursday when a residential building was struck and were transferred to Al-Adan Hospital. Authorities also launched a psychological support hotline (151) for citizens and residents.

The Commerce Ministry said the first Kuwait Airways flights carrying fresh food supplies had arrived in the country, in coordination with the private sector, to accelerate deliveries and support market supplies. The shipments included fresh meat, fruits, vegetables and other food items.

Qatar

Qatar’s Interior Ministry said the situation in the country remains stable and that services continue to operate normally across sectors, while authorities monitor developments.

The ministry said the national warning system is activated only when urgent preventive measures are required to protect public safety. It urged the public to follow official alerts, remain indoors away from windows and exposed areas, and avoid going out until the threat has passed.

It also warned against filming or publishing footage from incident sites or response operations and against sharing unverified material on social media.

Environmental monitoring indicators show air quality in the country at 100%, the ministry said, adding that no pollution has been detected in the air or marine environment as part of ongoing environmental monitoring.

Separately, Qatar Tourism said the temporary extension of hotel stays for visitors affected by travel disruptions will remain in effect until March 14.

The measure gives affected guests additional time to arrange their travel.

Visitors whose flights have been canceled or disrupted since Feb. 28 have been offered free hotel stays with three daily meals, coordinated with the hospitality sector.