ABU DHABI - Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The eldest ruler in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and one of the longest serving heads of state in the Middle East, Shaikh Zayed is aged 85 and approaching 86. He is no longer as active as he used to be. He underwent a kidney transplant in August 2000 in the US and returned on Nov. 26, 2000. He remains deeply respected and adored by the public for his wise guidance of the UAE from a collection of pearl-fishing shaikdoms to the major hub for business in the Middle East.

On Shaikh Zayed's arrival in Abu Dhabi from the US after treatment, one day before the start of the Ramadan fasting month, there were celebrations throughout the UAE. In Dubai about 370 prisoners were released on the occasion. In Ras Al Khaimah, a long parade of cars circled the emirate in jubilation. Shaikh Zayed assumed power in Abu Dhabi in August 1966 and was elected as UAE president in late 1991.