His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE
Before assuming the UAE presidency in May 2022, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a diverse portfolio of policy, legislative, and economic responsibilities in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. As the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, he served as the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, playing a pivotal role in guiding government policy and legislation.
The environment is one of Sheikh Mohamed's highest priorities, from a policy and a personal perspective. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, and has led significant conservation efforts to protect the falcon, houbara bustard and Arabian oryx within the UAE and internationally. In January 2008, His Highness announced the Abu Dhabi Government would contribute US$15 billion to Masdar, the global standard-setting alternative and renewable energy initiative based in Abu Dhabi, and developer of the world's first carbon-neutral, zero waste city.
Beyond these roles, His Highness serves as the Chairman of Mubadala Development Company, an investment organization owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. Notably, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund stands as a testament to his private philanthropic interests, further exemplifying his dedication to biodiversity and species conservation.