Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan


Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1928 to 1966.

Early life

Shakbut was the eldest son of Sultan II bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His mother was Sheikha Salama bint Butti.

Reign

Sheikh Shakhbut succeeded his uncle Sheikh Saqr I bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 1928, becoming the ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. During his reign, he adopted an aggressively mercantilist strategy, keeping his reserves in gold. His reign lasted until 6 August 1966 when he was deposed in a bloodless coup by the British-led Trucial Oman Scouts to the benefit of his brother Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The primary reason that he was revolted against was that he refused to spend the royalties from oil sales.

Personal life

His first wife was his first cousin, Sheikha Fakhera Bint Hazza Al Nahyan who was also the mother of all his children. They had 2 sons, Saeed and Sultan, both of them died in their youth while living in voluntary exile with their father. However, Saeed and Sultan were both married and their descendants are currently living in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In addition to his two sons, Sheikh Shakbut also had 4 daughters, Osha, Mozah, Qoot and Rawdha. After the death of Sheikha Fakhera, he married for a second time. His second wife is Mariam bint Rashid Al Otaiba.