Leadership
The responsibilities of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Khaled’s role combines the constitutional position of Crown Prince with the executive leadership of the emirate’s government through the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Institutional structure
Where the Crown Prince sits in the government of Abu Dhabi
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Ruler of Abu Dhabi
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
President of the United Arab Emirates. As Ruler, he issues the Emiri decrees that appoint the Crown Prince and constitute the Executive Council.
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Crown Prince · Chairman of the Executive Council
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Appointed on 29 March 2023. Chairs the Executive Council, which was reformed under his chairmanship by Amiri Decree No. (11) of 2023.
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Central governing body
Abu Dhabi Executive Council
Described by the UAE Government as the emirate’s central governing organ, which assists the Ruler in carrying out his duties and powers.
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Planning & performance
Abu Dhabi Executive Office
Supports strategic and executive planning and the development of government performance; a General Secretariat within the Office supports Council meetings. Chaired since 2023 by Dr Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei.
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Delivery
Government departments & municipalities
- Department of Economic Development
- Department of Health
- Department of Education and Knowledge
- Department of Municipalities and Transport
- Department of Energy
- Department of Community Development
- Department of Culture and Tourism
- Department of Government Enablement
A simplified illustration based on official descriptions. It is not an official organisational chart, and the list of departments is not exhaustive.
Areas of responsibility
What the record shows
Each area below is supported by an official announcement of a decision, appointment or engagement.
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01
Leading the Executive Council
He chairs the Council’s meetings, at which the emirate’s strategies and major programmes are reviewed and approved — among them the Emirati Family Growth Programme (July 2024), the Liveability Strategy expansion (September 2025) and the Healthy Living and Integrated Water strategies (November 2025).
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02
Strategic planning & public-sector performance
Between 2019 and 2023 he chaired the Executive Office, whose mandate covers strategic planning and government performance. As Council Chairman he has reviewed the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025–2027; the Council was told in September 2025 that more than 95% of government employees had been trained in AI.
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03
Economic diversification & investment
He launched the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy in 2022, sits on the Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs and the board of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and chairs the board of L’IMAD Holding Company, formed in January 2026.
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04
Energy
He chairs the Executive Committee of the ADNOC Board of Directors, which reviews the performance and strategy of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
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05
Innovation, science & technology
He is Vice-Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, Chairman of the Advanced Technology Research Council and Chairman of the Emirates Genome Council, which oversees the National Genome Strategy.
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06
Infrastructure & liveability
He approved the AED42 billion expansion of the Liveability Strategy and, in June 2026, inaugurated the MBZ City station of the UAE’s passenger rail network.
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07
Human development & family wellbeing
He inaugurated the Mawaheb Talent Hub for Emirati careers in 2023 and, under the directives of the UAE President, has approved successive housing benefits packages for citizens, including AED15.384 billion across three packages in 2025.
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08
International representation
He regularly receives heads of government, ministers and business leaders in Abu Dhabi and has undertaken official visits abroad, several on behalf of the UAE President.
See the timeline and news archive.
Security & stability
A note on former security roles
Before joining the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khaled held two federal security appointments: Chairman of the State Security Department (2016) and Deputy National Security Adviser (2017), both at ministerial rank.
These are historical positions. His current offices are Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and he should not be described today as a head of state security.