Muhammad bin Zayed (often known as MBZ or Sheikh Muhammad) is the president of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has 1m citizens, compared with Saudi Arabia's 20m.
Under his leadership the UAE has pursued a hard-edged foreign policy, backing separatists and rebels in Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and elsewhere. He despises political Islam and has said that it is better to ally with strong separatists than a failed central government. He recognised Israel in 2020 through the Abraham accords.
In March 2026 he called Iran the "enemy". Iran has launched more than twice as many drones and missiles at the Emirates as at any other Gulf state. He has criticised the UAE's neighbours for failing to help defend it.
Not all leaders of the UAE's seven emirates agree with his foreign policy. In early 2026 Saudi-linked social-media accounts spread unsubstantiated rumours about his health.
Never keep up with the Joneses. Drag them down to your level.