November 11, 2008. Copyright 2008, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan builds the Abu Dhabi brand
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, November 11, Graphic News:  Of course, being part of a political dynasty is never easy but Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan had more than most to live up to when he became president of the United Arab Emirates: from 1979 until his death in 2004 his father had been the federation's only president, enjoying widespread popularity and approval as a visionary ruler.

But Sheikh Khalifa has his own vision of how he wants to develop the tiny oil-rich Gulf state, and his government is busy developing Abu Dhabi as a tourist and cultural destination to rival, and even better, its flashy neighbour Dubai.

The sports loving Sheikh has also won approval for reforms to modernise the UAE, and continue his father's tradition of fairness. As president, he has authorised a 25% pay rise for public sector workers, and decreed that half the members of the federal national council be elected. This year the UAE wrote off Iraq's nearly $7bn debt.

Born in the oasis city of Al Ain 1948, Sheikh Khalifa did not spend his time idly waiting to take over from the "father of the federation". He held key roles in defence and finance and was the first chairman of the Abu Dhabi executive council, which began turning Abu Dhabi into the modern world city it is today.

Now Abu Dhabi is awash with schemes to put it even more firmly on the world map: the president's half brother Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan has bought English Premier League football club Manchester City, and Sheikh Khalifa has signed a deal to invest in Hollywood. In addition, there are plans to erect "branches" of the world's leading museums and a bottomless pit of money to build the Abu Dhabi brand.
/ENDS