UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. ARCHIVE

The Wall Street Journal has named UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the most influential leader in the Middle East. The US newspaper published an extensive report on Sheikh Mohamed’s role in geopolitical relations and as an ally for all parties. The report mentioned Sheikh Mohamed’s pivotal role in helping the US, including the prisoner exchange process between US basketball player Brittney Griner and Russian arms dealer Victor Bout. According to the report, the US sees the UAE as a major partner in combating terrorism and stabilising global energy markets with huge investments in the US. The report continues, "The UAE's economy is not only built on oil, but its position as a stable country in a turbulent region has made it an attractive market for money, logistics and tourism." The report also credited Sheikh Mohamed for encouraging rapid economic expansion, progress and improved relations in the Middle East and the region. The UAE has restored relations with Israel, and strengthened ties with China, Russia Syria and Iran. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is committed to collaborating across countries to create a better future for humanity. He directly supports and advocates for initiatives that protect and advance humanity and human dignity, including supporting many countries and communities in need. His efforts include overseeing the UAE’s participation in International Security Assistance Force, a NATO-led mission in Afghanistan in following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington DC in 2001. The UAE contributed not only to maintaining security, it also worked to establish development programmes to support local Afghan communities. The UAE also participated in the coalition to restore the legitimate Government of Yemen after the Houthi-led armed takeover, and established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020. Under Sheikh Mohamed, the UAE took firm position against organized terrorist groups and promoting the values of peaceful coexistence, respect and dialogue. He also facilitated Pope Francis’ visit to Abu Dhabi, the first ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula, in 2019. During this visit the Document of Human Fraternity’s joint declaration urging peace among all people in the world was signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmed El Tayeb. This led to the UN establishing 4th February as International Day of Human Fraternity. Sheikh Mohamed led the UAE’s global humanitarian response to Covid-19, providing medical supplies and logistics support to millions of people around the world. The UAE leader also continues to support global philanthropy efforts through working with the Carter Center and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate debilitating and preventable neglected tropical diseases. Sheikh Mohamed supports initiatives and projects that improve the lives of people of determination all over the world, including pledging $25 million to an inclusive education project led by the Special Olympics project in a number of countries. ICA/Expat Media
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