The Emirati Prince Preparing for Power
By: Financial Times
**Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Khaled is a growing force in global dealmaking and diplomacy as he readies to take over.**
In recent weeks, **Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan** has travelled to Beijing to meet President Xi Jinping, hosted international bank chiefs, and signed off on billions of dollars of global investment. In between, Abu Dhabi’s 44-year-old crown prince has also reviewed the capital’s emergency medical readiness and state oil company Adnoc’s contingency plans in a time of war.
All these points contribute to his rise in Abu Dhabi’s absolute monarchy as he transitions into a "chief executive" role under his "chair" father, UAE President **Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (MBZ)**. Three years after being anointed heir apparent, Sheikh Khaled is becoming a growing force in global finance and diplomacy, signalling a generational shift in the UAE’s wealthiest emirate.
### The Rise of L’Imad and Financial Influence
Sheikh Khaled has become a central figure for global dealmakers looking to tap into Abu Dhabi’s $1.8tn sovereign wealth. He chairs **L’Imad**, a nascent $300bn fund that recently emerged as a major player.
* **Major Moves:** L’Imad recently partnered with BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners, Temasek, and Adnoc to invest $30bn in Central Asia and the Middle East.
* **Strategic Consolidation:** In January 2026, the $263bn assets of the sovereign fund **ADQ** were merged into L’Imad under Sheikh Khaled's leadership.
* **Adnoc:** He also chairs the executive committee of the state oil giant.
### Diplomatic Stature and Regional Challenges
Sheikh Khaled’s prominent role was underscored by his April 2026 visit to China. The trip occurred during a period of tension where Abu Dhabi felt Beijing had not done enough to pressure Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
However, a significant challenge remains: convincing investors of "business as usual" following the regional instability caused by the US-Israeli war against Iran. Analysts note that while Abu Dhabi has the financial firepower to navigate the turmoil, an immediate return to the previous status quo is unlikely.
### Succession and Leadership Structure
President MBZ (65) appears to be following a playbook similar to his own rise, ensuring a smooth transition to avoid the internal friction often seen in Gulf successions. In 2023, MBZ redistributed responsibilities among his brothers while positioning his son as the clear heir:
| Royal Member | Current Key Roles |
|---|---|
| **Sheikh Khaled** | Crown Prince; Chair of L’Imad; Chair of Abu Dhabi Executive Council |
| **Sheikh Tahnoon** | National Security Adviser; Chair of ADIA ($1.1tn fund); Deputy Ruler |
| **Sheikh Mansour** | UAE Vice-President; Chair of Mubadala; Owner of Manchester City FC |
### Background and Core Team
Sheikh Khaled, a Georgetown University graduate, first gained international exposure in 2010 when he managed a high-stakes regulatory dispute with BlackBerry (Research In Motion).
Today, he is building a new generation of alliances, working closely with influential non-royals like **Khaldoon al-Mubarak** (Mubadala CEO) and **Sultan al-Jaber** (Adnoc head), while promoting his own confidantes, such as **Jassem al-Zaabi**, the CEO of L’Imad.
> **Key Quote:** "Sheikh Khaled is handling many heavy duties and responsibilities these days... He has proven himself, and more and more, his father would like to depend on him." Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, Emirati academic.
