Governance & development
Abu Dhabi is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Understanding Sheikh Khaled’s role means separating three levels of responsibility that are often blurred.
The UAE federal government holds national responsibilities; the Government of Abu Dhabi runs the emirate; and, within it, the Crown Prince chairs the Executive Council. Achievements of the UAE as a whole are not attributed on this website to any one individual.
The federation, led by the President of the UAE, is responsible for national matters such as foreign affairs, defence and federal policy.
Headed by the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s government plans and delivers local services, infrastructure and economic policy through its departments and entities.
Sheikh Khaled chairs the Executive Council, which reviews and approves the emirate’s strategies, and represents the UAE President abroad when designated.
The Abu Dhabi Executive Council
The UAE Government describes the Executive Council as Abu Dhabi’s central governing body, which assists the Ruler in carrying out his duties and powers. The emirate’s departments and municipalities operate under it.
Amiri Decree No. (11) of 2023 reformed the Council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Khaled as Crown Prince. The Abu Dhabi Executive Office supports the Council; Law No. (7) of 2023 placed a General Secretariat within the Office to support Council meetings.
Approved as part of the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy, with six initiatives including rent support for newlyweds, longer housing-loan repayment periods and maternity-leave support in the private sector.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media OfficeAn AED42 billion expansion approved; the meeting also reviewed progress on the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media OfficeBoth strategies approved, and citizens permitted to gift residential grants to spouses and first-degree relatives.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media OfficeAn AED4.21 billion package for 2,652 citizens, approved under the directives of the UAE President ahead of Eid Al Fitr.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media OfficeThe development ecosystem
A selection of the Abu Dhabi Government bodies that work under the Executive Council, and of the strategic boards on which Sheikh Khaled personally serves.
| Body | Broad remit |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Executive Office | Strategic and executive planning, government performance, service excellence and support to Council meetings. |
| Department of Economic Development | Economic policy and diversification, including industrial development. |
| Department of Government Enablement | Government digital transformation, including the Digital Strategy 2025–2027. |
| Department of Health | The emirate’s health sector, including the Healthy Living Strategy. |
| Department of Energy | Energy and water, including the Integrated Water Strategy. |
| Department of Community Development | Social policy and family wellbeing, including the Emirati Family Growth Programme. |
| Department of Municipalities and Transport | Urban planning, municipal services and transport. |
| Department of Education and Knowledge | Education across the emirate. |
| Body | His position |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Executive Council | Chairman, since 29 March 2023 |
| Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs | Member, since December 2020 |
| ADNOC Board of Directors | Chairman of the Executive Committee |
| Abu Dhabi Investment Authority | Board member, since March 2023 |
| Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council | Vice-Chairman, since February 2025 |
| Advanced Technology Research Council | Chairman of the board |
| Emirates Genome Council | Chairman |
| L’IMAD Holding Company | Chairman of the board, since January 2026 |
Long-term development
Abu Dhabi’s development has long been guided by multi-year plans. Ghadan 21, a AED50 billion accelerator programme launched by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, ran from 2019 to 2021, and its implementation was led by the Executive Office under Sheikh Khaled.
Since 2023, the emphasis visible in Council decisions has turned to an AI-enabled government, a stronger industrial base, water and health security, and liveable neighbourhoods — alongside large-scale private investment such as the AED100 billion Marsa Al Saadiyat development launched in 2026.