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National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), founded in 1968 as Abu Dhabi's first bank, was a pioneering financial institution in the UAE. It became the first UAE bank to establish international branches, starting with Cairo, Egypt in 1975, followed by expansions into Oman and Sudan in 1976, and into the United Kingdom, France, and the United States of America by 1979. By the time of its merger, NBAD had developed a global network spanning five continents and 17 countries. Following its merger with the First Gulf Bank in December 2016, NBAD ceased operations under its original name, becoming part of First Abu Dhabi Bank. NBAD held the distinction of being the largest lender in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE, boasting the largest market capitalization among UAE banks.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918–2004) was an Emirati leader, credited with founding the United Arab Emirates. He governed the Eastern Region before becoming Abu Dhabi's ruler in 1966 and later the UAE's first president until his passing in 2004. Revered as the "Father of the Nation," he played a pivotal role in uniting the seven emirates. Zayed succeeded his brother as Abu Dhabi's ruler after a peaceful coup in 1966.