Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi since 1966, was elected first President of the UAE in 1971, a post to which he has been re-elected at successive five year intervals. A driving force in the creation of the federation, he has worked to achieve his vision of a society with high quality welfare, education, health and housing for all citizens by utilising Abu Dhabi's oil revenues to fund projects throughout the federation. Overseas, he has gained a reputation as a sagacious statesman, keen to promote conciliation where possible, but at the same time firmly on the side of justice and international law. Under his leadership, the UAE has supported the Palestinians in their struggle for their homeland, was an active member of the coalition that liberated Kuwait in 1991, and is a major contributor to the international peacekeeping force in Kosovo. The country has also been a major donor of international relief aid and development assistance, reflecting Sheikh Zayed's firmly held Moslem faith, with the duty it places on believers that they should assist others less fortunate than themselves. Now in his 80s, Sheikh Zayed continues to play a guiding role in Government.

The United Arab Emirates University was established upon a kind initiative from the late President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayan, in 1976 in AlAin. His Highness envisioned the University becoming a federal institution of an Arab-Islamic identity, and a focus of intellect, culture, and science. The University has become a leading and pioneering institution in the region in education, research, and community service. Since its establishment, the University has always given a very high priority to the development of its academic programs and curricula responding to the needs of the society and keeping pace with international academic developments and trends while preserving the values, policies and strategies of the country.

http://www.uae.gov.ae/mohe/heinstitutions.html