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Abu Dhabi’s tight ruling group builds up local institutions while strengthening federal control


In depth
Issue 1195 - 16 Jan 2025 | 7 minute read

Few doubt the UAE has successfully reinforced its position as a major global business and leisure hub by introducing ever more regulations and institutions to provide an accommodating investment climate. Abu Dhabi once left it to commercial hub Dubai to attract foreign attention, but the wealthy emirate is now more assertive on the business front, while also building up its military strength and regional power projection under President Mohammed Bin Zayed and his Bani Fatima brothers.

Profile: Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan

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Over more than three decades of wielding increasing political influence, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (MBZ) has emerged as a key architect of the modern UAE. Read more

UAE: The 'Bani Fatima' brothers rise ever higher

The UAE's Bani Fatima

The six Bani Fatima brothers have concentrated increasing amounts of power and wealth into their branch of the Al-Nahyan family. This process has accelerated since MBZ succeeded as ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE.

Gulf States Newsletter has profiled all the sons of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan, with links to several decades worth of detailed reporting from the archive.

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