UPSC Prelims 2006 Q29: Current Affairs – Notable Personalities
Zayed bin Sultan - al - Nahyan was a long - serving President
of which of the following?
- (a) Oman
- (b) Kuwait
- (c) United Arab Emirates
- (d) Saudi Arabia
Answer: (c) United Arab Emirates
Explanation
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
| Option | Connection to Sheikh Zayed |
|---|---|
| Oman | Ruled by Sultan Qaboos |
| Kuwait | Ruled by the Al-Sabah family |
| United Arab Emirates | President from the UAE's founding in 1971 until his death in 2004 |
| Saudi Arabia | Ruled by the Saudi royal house |
Sheikh Zayed, ruler of Abu Dhabi, was the founding and long-serving President of the United Arab Emirates, re-elected every five years until 2004.
Answer: (c) United Arab Emirates.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Oman was ruled by Sultan Qaboos bin Said in this period, not by Sheikh Zayed.
- (b) Incorrect. Kuwait is ruled by the Al-Sabah family, not the Al Nahyan family.
- (c) CORRECT. Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the long-serving President of the United Arab Emirates, from 1971 to 2004.
- (d) Incorrect. Saudi Arabia is ruled by the Al Saud family, not the Al Nahyan family.
Key point
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the founding and long-serving President of the United Arab Emirates (1971-2004).
Remember
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: President of the UAE, 1971-2004.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Al Nahyan (Abu Dhabi) family with the Saudi or Kuwaiti royal houses.
- Forgetting that the UAE federation was formed only in 1971.
- Mixing the President with the ruler of Dubai, who is the Vice-President and Prime Minister.
Exam tip
Al Nahyan = Abu Dhabi = UAE Presidency; Al Maktoum = Dubai = UAE Vice-President.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — United Arab Emirates