Inside UAE’s Most Prestigious Award: Order of Zayed Legacy
The UAE’s Order of Zayed, the nation’s highest civil decoration, has a rich legacy spanning from Chirac to Trump. This prestigious honor, 36 years old, features an exquisite pure gold necklace with 14 rings that showcase the most important UAE historical and cultural landmarks.
The UAE president has awarded the Order of Zayed, named after Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to many world leaders. George W. Bush became the first U.S. president to receive this honor in 2008, and Donald Trump later picked up on this distinction. The award’s prestigious recipients include Vladimir Putin (2007), Angela Merkel (2010), Xi Jinping (2018), and Narendra Modi (2019). The UAE’s leadership also recognized Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheik Mansour bin Zayed’s contributions to hosting the COP28 climate talks in 2023.
UAE establishes Order of Zayed as highest civilian honor
Image Source: Gulf News
“A nation without a past is a nation without a present or a future. Thanks to God, our nation has a flourishing civilization, deep-rooted in this land for many centuries. These roots will always flourish and bloom in the glorious present of our nation in its anticipated future.” — Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father and First President of the United Arab Emirates
The UAE created its highest civilian decoration, the Order of Zayed, on August 15, 1987. Named after Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, this prestigious honor stands as proof of his lasting legacy of humanitarianism, international cooperation, and peace across the world.
UAE’s president awards this honor only to world leaders and heads of state. The distinguished award represents UAE’s appreciation for recipients who help deepen bilateral cooperation with the Emirates at all levels.
The Order’s design showcases exceptional craftsmanship through a pure gold necklace studded with precious stones. The main pendant displays “Zayed” at its center, surrounded by intricate decorations that showcase UAE’s cultural heritage. The medal features multiple rings with the nation’s vital symbols: one ring carries UAE’s flag, another displays the country’s official emblem, and fourteen more rings showcase UAE’s most cherished historical and cultural landmarks.
This extraordinary diplomatic gift combines luxury with deep appreciation through its physical design. The honor has become a lasting symbol of friendship between UAE and countries worldwide since its 36-year old inception. UAE’s ruler highlights each recipient’s unique contributions to bilateral relations. Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan exemplified this by noting that President Erdogan’s award reflected UAE’s gratitude for his work in building upon historic ties between UAE and Türkiye.
The Order of Zayed serves as a powerful tool in UAE’s diplomatic efforts. It represents more than just an honor – it embodies a thoughtful approach to build international relationships while preserving Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s legacy.
Leaders around the world receive the Order of Zayed
Image Source: Government of Dubai Media Office
The Order of Zayed stands as a powerful symbol of the UAE’s diplomatic relations across the globe. President His Highness Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred this honor upon US President Donald Trump at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on May 15, 2025. Trump joined George W. Bush as only the second American president to earn this prestigious recognition, which Bush received during his 2008 state visit.
The UAE President Sheik Mohamed awarded the Order to Indonesian President Joko Widodo on July 17, 2024. Sheik Mohamed’s “personal esteem” for Widodo acknowledged his role in enhancing UAE-Indonesian ties. The Emir of Kuwait, Sheik Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, also joined the distinguished list of recipients in March 2024.
The Order’s legacy includes recognition of several influential world leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping accepted this prestigious decoration during his 2018 state visit. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi honored Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2019, recognizing Modi’s “pivotal role” in strengthening bilateral relations.
The prestigious list extends to Russian President Vladimir Putin (2007), Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (2010), German Chancellor Angela Merkel (2010), and King Mohammed VI of Morocco (2015). President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia have also received this honor.
UAE President Sheik Mohamed made a unique decision after the Cop28 climate talks in 2023. He presented the Order to internal leaders including Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheik Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
Each ceremony symbolizes the UAE’s diplomatic vision. Recipients often express their pride in receiving an honor named after Sheik Zayed, who many regard as “a globally inspiring figure with an enduring legacy of humanitarian values.”
How the Order of Zayed strengthens UAE’s global diplomacy
Image Source: www.wam.ae
The Order of Zayed serves as the life-blood of UAE’s diplomatic strategy worldwide. The UAE president uses this prestigious honor to advance foreign policy goals and boost the nation’s global standing.
The timing of these awards shows their diplomatic importance. To cite an instance, Turkish President Erdoğan received this decoration in July 2022. This proved to be a big turning point after years of tension between UAE and Turkey. The gesture helped create new economic partnerships and arranged political views on regional matters.
The UAE gave this honor to Indian Prime Minister Modi in 2019 during major trade talks. This move ended up contributing to the detailed Economic Partnership Agreement of 2022. UAE cleverly uses its highest civilian honor to create good diplomatic conditions that boost economic growth.
This is a big deal as it means that the Order creates real diplomatic results. Russian President Putin got the honor in 2007, and trade between Russia and UAE grew over the next decade. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s decoration in 2018 made UAE a vital partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
UAE’s ruler gives this honor to show shifting diplomatic focus. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman’s recognition strengthened the Emirates’ support for Gulf Cooperation Council unity despite regional issues. King Mohammed VI of Morocco’s award built stronger North African bonds.
The Order builds personal bonds between UAE leaders and world figures that last beyond their time in office. Past recipients stay friendly to Emirati interests even after stepping down. This creates a lasting network of powerful allies around the world.
The UAE president arranges these recognitions with care. A ceremonial decoration becomes a powerful tool of diplomatic influence. This enhances Emirates’ global position and honors Sheik Zayed’s legacy of connecting nations.
Legacy of diplomacy through prestigious recognition
The Order of Zayed has grown way beyond the reach and influence of a ceremonial decoration through its remarkable history. This prestigious honor captures Sheik Zayed’s lasting vision of international cooperation and peace. The careful awarding of this recognition has created real diplomatic results for the UAE. It builds valuable partnerships with global powers and honors its founding father’s legacy.
Pure gold with precious stones and cultural symbols makes the award physically magnificent, which reflects its importance in diplomatic circles. The real significance goes beyond its material worth – it brings nations closer together. Recipients ranging from American presidents to Asian prime ministers now share a special connection through this recognition despite their different political views.
UAE leaders have skillfully used this honor at key diplomatic moments that turned possible tensions into productive partnerships. Trade agreements, security arrangements, and regional alliances often follow the Order’s presentation. The personal bonds formed during these ceremonies last longer than official positions and create a lasting network of powerful allies worldwide.
The Order of Zayed represents both a tribute to history and shapes the future ahead. It upholds Sheik Zayed‘s humanitarian principles and works as a refined tool of soft power that advances Emirates’ global position. This prestigious award’s lasting importance shows how carefully preserved traditions serve today’s diplomatic goals in the ever-changing international world.
