Al Nahyans - Trillionaire Family That Built UAE

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Al Nahyans – Trillionaire Family That Built UAE | 2026 Documentary Video

April 13, 2026

The House of Nahyan is the royal family ruling Abu Dhabi and one of six ruling families in the United Arab Emirates, according to historical records.

The family traces its roots to the House of Al Falahi, known as Āl Bū Falāḥ, a branch of the Bani Yas tribe. It is related to the House of Al Falasi, from which Dubai’s ruling family, the Al Maktoum, descends.

The Bani Yas tribe arrived in Abu Dhabi from Liwa Oasis in the 18th century. The family has governed Abu Dhabi since 1793, previously holding rule over Liwa.

Between 1793 and 1966, five rulers were removed from power and eight were killed in coups, with many of those involved being brothers.

In the 21st century, the Al Nahyan family controls major sovereign wealth funds, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala Investment Company.

Al Nahyans - Trillionaire Family That Built UAE — Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, 1971. Photo: Creative Commons/wikimedia

Combined assets under management are estimated at $1 trillion. In 2024, the family was ranked second among the world’s wealthiest families, according to published rankings.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is widely recognized as the founding father of the United Arab Emirates.

He served as governor of the Eastern Region from 1946 before becoming ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966.

On December 2, 1971, the UAE gained independence, and Sheikh Zayed became its first president, a position he held until his death in 2004.

In the UAE, he is known as the Father of the Nation, a title reflecting his central role in uniting the country.

(With files from Wikipedia)