Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan: Age, Wife, Family and UAE Role
The Emirati royal serves as Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser, while also holding major roles in investment, banking, artificial intelligence and technology.
Introduction
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan is an influential Emirati royal whose work covers national security, Abu Dhabi government affairs, sovereign investment, banking and artificial intelligence.
He is part of the ruling Al Nahyan family and has held senior public positions for many years. His current responsibilities make him an important person in understanding the UAE’s political, economic and technology strategy.
Readers interested in UAE leaders and public figures may also recognise his name through organisations such as ADIA, FAB, IHC, MGX and G42.
His public profile is unusual because it connects government leadership with investment strategy, advanced technology and global business relationships.
Direct Answer
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a senior member of Abu Dhabi’s Al Nahyan ruling family. He was born on 4 December 1968 in Abu Dhabi and is an Emirati national.
As of August 2026, he serves as:
- Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi
- UAE National Security Adviser
- Chairman of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
- Chairman of First Abu Dhabi Bank
- Chairman of International Holding Company
- Chairman of MGX
- Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council
His father was Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates. His brother is UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
His publicly confirmed wife is Sheikha Khawla bint Ahmed Al Suwaidi. Public reporting also confirms Sheikha Fatima bint Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan as his daughter.
People searching for “Sheikh Tahnoon hospital” should know that Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City in Al Ain is not named after him. It carries the name of another member of the Al Nahyan family, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
| Date of Birth | 4 December 1968 |
| Birthplace | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Nationality | Emirati |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Royal Family | Al Nahyan |
| Father | Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan |
| Brother | Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
| Wife | Sheikha Khawla bint Ahmed Al Suwaidi |
| Confirmed Daughter | Sheikha Fatima bint Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
| Current Government Role | Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi |
| Federal Position | UAE National Security Adviser |
| ADIA | Chairman |
| FAB | Chairman |
| IHC | Chairman |
| MGX | Chairman |
| AIATC | Chairman |
| Known For | UAE leadership, national security, investment and AI |
| Sports Connection | Founder of Abu Dhabi Combat Club |
Who Is Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan?
He is an Emirati government leader and member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family.
His public career is mainly connected with three areas:
Government and national security: He holds one of the UAE’s most important security positions.
Investment and banking: He chairs major financial and investment institutions based in Abu Dhabi.
Artificial intelligence and technology: He leads organisations involved in the UAE’s growing AI strategy.
This combination has made him an important figure in both UAE public policy and international investment.
Nationality and Abu Dhabi Background
Sheikh Tahnoon is Emirati.
He was born in Abu Dhabi and belongs to the Al Nahyan family, which rules the emirate.
His family has been closely connected with the formation and development of the United Arab Emirates.
His father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, became the first President of the UAE when the federation was established in 1971.
Because of this background, his public life has been closely connected with Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE leadership structure.
Birth Date and Age Information
His date of birth is publicly reported as 4 December 1968.
He was born in Abu Dhabi.
Using his verified birth date is the safest way to answer age-related searches because it gives readers an exact reference without relying on copied profile websites.
Early Life and Education
His official background states that he studied in California, United States.
A specific university degree should not be added unless supported by reliable public records.
While studying in California, he developed an interest in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling.
This interest later became important in the growth of combat sports in the Emirates.
Abu Dhabi Combat Club and Jiu-Jitsu
One of the most interesting parts of his early public work is his connection with martial arts.
He founded the Abu Dhabi Combat Club, commonly known as ADCC, in 1998.
ADCC later became internationally known for submission grappling competitions.
His support for jiu-jitsu also helped the sport gain a stronger place in Abu Dhabi.
Today, the UAE is widely associated with international jiu-jitsu competitions, athlete development and combat sports events.
Government Career
His government career developed through several senior appointments.
In 2013, he became Deputy National Security Adviser of the United Arab Emirates.
In 2016, he was appointed UAE National Security Adviser.
As of August 2026, he continues to hold this position.
His work in national security places him in an important role involving strategic affairs, international cooperation and government coordination.
In 2023, he was appointed Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
This made his role within Abu Dhabi’s leadership structure even more significant.
Current Role in Abu Dhabi
As Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, he is part of the senior leadership of the emirate.
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and also one of the country’s main centres for government, energy, finance, sovereign wealth and technology.
His responsibilities therefore connect with several areas that are important to the UAE’s future development.
Sheikh Tahnoon became chairman of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, usually called ADIA, in 2023.
ADIA is a sovereign investment institution based in Abu Dhabi.
It invests internationally across different markets and asset classes.
His chairmanship places him at the top level of one of Abu Dhabi’s most important investment organisations.
It is important, however, not to confuse ADIA’s assets with his personal wealth.
Money managed by a sovereign investment authority belongs to the institution and should not automatically be described as a chairman’s private fortune.
First Abu Dhabi Bank
He is also chairman of First Abu Dhabi Bank, or FAB.
FAB was created through the merger of First Gulf Bank and National Bank of Abu Dhabi.
The bank has become a major financial institution in the UAE.
His role at FAB connects his wider public profile with commercial banking, financial services and regional investment.
International Holding Company
Another major position is his chairmanship of International Holding Company, known as IHC.
IHC is an Abu Dhabi-based investment group with interests across several industries.
Its activities have included businesses in areas such as technology, healthcare, food, energy, real estate and financial services.
His role with IHC adds another part to his broader investment leadership.
Sheikh Tahnoon and Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is now one of the most important parts of his professional profile.
He chairs the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, commonly called AIATC.
The council supports Abu Dhabi’s work in artificial intelligence, research, advanced technology and future industries.
He also chairs MGX, an Abu Dhabi investment company focused on AI and advanced technology.
MGX works around areas such as:
- AI infrastructure
- Semiconductors
- Data centres
- Computing
- Technology platforms
- Advanced digital systems
- Artificial intelligence applications
He has also held a leadership connection with G42, the Abu Dhabi technology group involved in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and international technology partnerships.
These roles place him near the centre of the UAE’s strategy to become a major global player in AI and advanced technology.
Wife: Sheikha Khawla bint Ahmed Al Suwaidi
Sheikh Tahnoon’s publicly confirmed wife is Sheikha Khawla bint Ahmed Al Suwaidi.
She is known for her work in art, culture and community initiatives in the UAE.
She has been publicly associated with the Khawla Arts and Culture Foundation.
Official Abu Dhabi reporting has identified her as his wife.
This relationship is supported by strong public information and can safely be included in a factual profile.
Children
Public UAE reporting confirms Sheikha Fatima bint Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan as his daughter.
She married Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan in 2020.
A precise total number of children should not be published unless it can be supported by reliable public records.
Several websites repeat additional names or totals, but copied family information can easily mix different members of the large Al Nahyan royal family.
For this reason, only clearly documented family details are included here.
Complete Family Context
His father was Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first President of the United Arab Emirates.
One of his most prominent brothers is Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
He is also related to other senior Al Nahyan figures who hold important government and public positions.
The family is large, so a supposed “complete family tree” from unofficial websites should be treated carefully.
For readers, the most important confirmed relationships are his father, his brother Sheikh Mohamed, his wife Sheikha Khawla and his publicly documented daughter Sheikha Fatima.
Connected Persons in Government and Business
His professional work connects him with several major UAE leaders and executives.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is his brother and currently serves as UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also holds important roles in government and technology.
Another key member of the UAE leadership is Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is involved in major federal and Abu Dhabi institutions.
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak has senior roles in Abu Dhabi investment organisations and is connected with MGX leadership.
Peng Xiao is the chief executive of G42 and works within Abu Dhabi’s growing artificial intelligence ecosystem.
These are professional or family connections supported by public roles. They should not be described as personal friendships without evidence.
Sheikh Tahnoon Hospital: What Does the Search Mean?
Some users search for terms such as:
- Sheikh Tahnoon hospital
- Tahnoon hospital Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Tahnoon medical city
- Tahnoon bin Zayed hospital
This can create confusion.
Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City in Al Ain is not named after Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The facility carries the name of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, who was a different member of the Abu Dhabi royal family.
There is no reliable reason to use the hospital’s name as evidence that Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed owns it, founded it or has a personal medical connection with it.
Former ADQ Leadership
Sheikh Tahnoon previously chaired ADQ, one of Abu Dhabi’s major investment organisations.
However, an important restructuring was announced in January 2026.
ADQ assets and investments were ordered to be consolidated with L’IMAD Holding under a new structure.
Because of that change, ADQ is better described as part of his earlier investment leadership rather than one of his clearest current positions.
Why Is Sheikh Tahnoon Important in the UAE?
His importance comes from the range of high-level responsibilities he holds.
His work reaches across:
- Abu Dhabi government
- UAE national security
- Sovereign wealth management
- Banking
- International investment
- Artificial intelligence
- Advanced technology
- Strategic partnerships
- Jiu-jitsu and combat sports
This broad role gives him influence across both public policy and economic development.
His growing involvement in AI also shows how Abu Dhabi is connecting sovereign investment with emerging technology and global computing infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan?
He is an Emirati royal, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, UAE National Security Adviser and chairman of several major investment and technology organisations.
What is Sheikh Tahnoon’s nationality?
He is Emirati and was born in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
When was Sheikh Tahnoon born?
He was born on 4 December 1968.
Who is Sheikh Tahnoon’s wife?
His publicly confirmed wife is Sheikha Khawla bint Ahmed Al Suwaidi.
Does Sheikh Tahnoon have children?
Public reporting confirms Sheikha Fatima bint Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan as his daughter. A complete verified total of his children should not be stated without stronger documentation.
Who is Sheikh Tahnoon’s father?
His father was Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder and first President of the United Arab Emirates.
Is Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed his brother?
Yes. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is his brother.
What is Sheikh Tahnoon’s current position?
As of August 2026, his major government positions are Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser.
Is Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City his hospital?
No. The medical city in Al Ain is named after Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, who was a different member of the royal family.
What companies and organisations is he connected with?
His major leadership roles include ADIA, First Abu Dhabi Bank, International Holding Company, MGX and the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council. He has also been closely connected with G42.
Final Overview
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan is one of the UAE’s senior government and investment figures.
Born in Abu Dhabi on 4 December 1968, he is a son of UAE founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and a brother of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
As of August 2026, he serves as Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser.
His responsibilities also extend into sovereign investment, banking, artificial intelligence and advanced technology through organisations including ADIA, FAB, IHC, MGX and AIATC.
His wife is Sheikha Khawla bint Ahmed Al Suwaidi, while Sheikha Fatima bint Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan is publicly confirmed as his daughter.
For readers searching his name, the key point is simple: he is not only a member of the Al Nahyan royal family but also an important figure in Abu Dhabi’s government, national security, global investment and AI strategy.
