His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan (خليفة بن زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان, born 1948) is the current president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He succeeded to the post on 3 November 2004, replacing his father Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, who had died the day before. He had effectively been acting president earlier, since his father was in ill health. He is also the hereditary emir and ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Following the establishment of the UAE on 2 December 1971, Sheikh Khalifa became deputy prime minister of the federal state under his father, who was president. In May 1976 he became deputy commander of the UAE armed forces. He also heads the Supreme Petroleum Council, which enjoys wide powers in energy matters.
Sheikh Khalifa is known for his interest in sports traditional to UAE, chiefly horse and camel racing.
See also: List of national leaders, List of rulers of separate Emirates of the United Arab Emirates
