Sheikh Zayed: An Eternal Legacy

In 1968, the coastal Arab emirates entered into an unprecedented phase of vulnerability: The British, who had protected the emirates for 150 years, suddenly announced their intention to withdraw from the region. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, knew there was only one way forward: the emirates had to unite under a single nation. In December of 1971, after a series of negotiations, the United Arab Emirates was born, and Sheikh Zayed, its founding father, was named the first President.

In this compelling addition to the Ultimate Collection and Assouline’s first tome surrounding a notable Arab Royal figure, Myrna Ayad examines Sheikh Zayed’s enduring legacy through the pillars that defined his life—as a father, a unifier, a conservationist, a faithful man, and a modernist. The volume brings Sheikh Zayed to vivid life through archival photographs and exclusive interviews with politicians and family members who knew the ruler intimately.

Complimentary white gloves and a signature canvas tote bag are included with each purchase from Assouline's Ultimate Collection.

The Ultimate Collection is an homage to the art of luxury bookmaking. Hand-bound using traditional techniques, with color plates hand-tipped on art-quality paper, each edition tome of this series bears the unique imprint of the artisan.