Who is Mohamed bin Zayed? UAE President Strengthening Ties with India During Crown Prince’s Visit

MBZ, full name Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, National Security Advisor of the UAE and President of the UAE. He is the third son of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the UAE and the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi.

MBZ ascended to the throne as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi upon his father’s death in November 2004. He also served as Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and held several military positions, including as a pilot in the UAE Air Force and was promoted to general in 2005.

MBZ, who has been the de facto ruler of Abu Dhabi since 2014 due to his brother Sheikh Khalifa’s chronic illness, has pursued a politics of economic liberalization and social reform in the UAE.

UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has significantly shaped Abu Dhabi’s cultural image through various activities and projects in the cultural field, promoting multiculturalism, preserving cultural and historical identities, and promoting global cross-cultural dialogue.

Development of cultural institutions

Under his leadership, Abu Dhabi has become a global hub for cultural institutions. One of his major investments is the Saadiyat Cultural District, which features iconic museums such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2017 and has attracted millions of visitors. The museum showcases artworks from different cultures, highlighting messages of unity and cultural exchange. The district will also include the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a premier cultural destination.

Several key aspects underline the importance of this cultural outreach: Sheikh Mohammed’s love for the arts has driven projects that celebrate traditional and contemporary artistic expressions in the UAE. DCT Abu Dhabi has also supported key events such as the Abu Dhabi Arts and Culture Summit, which brings together artists and cultural leaders from around the world.

Legislative reform

In February 2022, Abu Dhabi enacted a civil marriage and divorce law that allows expatriates to follow non-religious family systems. This progressive legislation, a first in the region, strengthens the rights of minorities and modern families and reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s progressive vision for a tolerant and diverse society.

Commitment to education and society

Sheikh Mohammed has always stressed the role of education in promoting cultural development, and his actions bear witness to this belief. His government has invested heavily in youth, providing opportunities for higher education and encouraging active participation in social and cultural development. His vision is to preserve the UAE’s heritage and promote social cohesion through various youth projects.

Recent visit to India

On September 8, 2024, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in New Delhi on his first state visit to India. Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal accompanied him to the airport and held a welcoming ceremony.

The two-day working visit aims to strengthen cooperation between India and the UAE in areas such as energy, connectivity, trade, investment and culture. The Crown Prince plans to conduct business with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Dhruvān Murmu and will visit Mahatma Gandhi’s mausoleum to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

After his visit to Delhi, the Crown Prince will travel to Mumbai to attend a business meeting with business leaders from both countries. India-UAE relations have now been upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership, with bilateral trade between the two countries expected to be around $85 billion in 2022-2023.

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