Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, also known as Sheikh Zayed of Egypt, was a prominent leader of the United Arab Emirates and a member of the ruling Al Nahyan family. Born in Cairo in 1915, Sheikh Zayed was the eldest son of Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Zayed was educated in traditional Islamic studies and was well-versed in the Quran and Islamic law. He also received a higher education in economics and political science at the University of Cairo. He began his political career in the 1950s, serving as the representative of Abu Dhabi in the Trucial States Council. In 1966, Sheikh Zayed was appointed ruler of Abu Dhabi, and in 1971 he became the first president of the newly formed United Arab Emirates.

During his rule, Sheikh Zayed was credited with transforming the UAE from a small desert nation into a modern, prosperous country. He introduced a number of initiatives to improve infrastructure, health care, and education, as well as to promote economic development. He also worked to improve relations between the UAE and other countries in the region, and was instrumental in negotiating the country's accession to the United Nations in 1971.

In addition to his political achievements, Sheikh Zayed was a passionate environmentalist. He established the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, which works to promote sustainable development and protect the environment. He also founded the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center, which works to educate the public about desert ecology and conservation.

Sheikh Zayed passed away in 2004, but his legacy continues to live on in the UAE. He is revered as the "Father of the Nation" and is remembered for his commitment to progress, development, and peace.