UAE: Hazza Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan

Role: Abu Dhabi Deputy Ruler, Ruler’s representative in Al-Ain region

Abu Dhabi deputy ruler since March 2023, Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed had a long record in the security apparatus. He was seen to have retreated from front-line public life in recent years but his December 2024 appointment as ruler’s representative in Al-Ain means he has been visible attending events and meeting people in the region.

Sheikh Hazza lost his long-held position as Abu Dhabi Executive Council (Adec) deputy chairman but gained the position of deputy ruler in March 2023, as his elder Bani Fatima brother Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed (MBZ) bedded in his rule.

On his appointment as deputy ruler, GSN observed that the extent of Hazza’s new powers and duties were unclear. “Some analysts suspect [his role] will be largely ceremonial,” it said.