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Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, the third wife of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first president of the UAE, is widely regarded as the "Mother of the UAE" and "Mother of the Nation." Born in Al-Hayer, Al Ain, she is a strong advocate for women's rights and education, significantly contributing to the establishment of the Family Development Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Society for the Awakening of Women in 1976. As the head of the UAE's General Women's Union since 1975 and the President of the Motherhood and Childhood Supreme Council, she has led numerous initiatives, including promoting girls' education and adult literacy. Sheikha Fatima has also supported women in sports through awards and the establishment of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Academy. Internationally recognized, she has received multiple awards for her efforts in women's rights and education, including honors from the UN and UNESCO. Married to Sheikh Zayed in 1960, she is the mother of Sheikh Mohamed, the current President of the UAE, and several other influential members of the Al Nahyan family.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1948–2022), the UAE's second president and ruler of Abu Dhabi from November 2004 to May 2022, was the eldest son of the UAE's first president, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He took on a significant role in the late 1990s due to his father's health issues and officially became Abu Dhabi's leader in 2004. His tenure saw cultural and academic growth, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways. Under his leadership, the UAE became a major economic power. Known for his pro-Western stance, he strengthened ties with the US and Israel.