Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a name that commands attention in both political and business circles. As a member of the UAE’s ruling family, a global investor, and the owner of Manchester City Football Club, Mansour has built an empire that spans finance, sports, and real estate. His journey from Abu Dhabi royalty to international influence reflects the intersection of wealth, politics, and ambition in the modern Middle East.
About Sheikh Mansour
Born in 1970, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Chairman of the Presidential Court, is a prominent member of the House of Nahyan. He is the younger brother of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and one of six full brothers known as the “Bani Fatima,” who have collectively shaped the UAE’s political and economic landscape. Sheikh Mansour’s influence spans government roles, business ventures, and global sports investments, making him a central figure in both local and international arenas.
Net worth and investment
Sheikh Mansour’s fortune is estimated at $30 billion, stemming from royal inheritance, oil wealth, and a diverse portfolio of investments. He is the owner of the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), which has holdings across finance, technology, real estate, and media. His investments include stakes in major international companies such as Ferrari, Virgin Galactic, and Daimler AG.
Emirates Palace/Image: X
Mansour also has significant real estate holdings. In 2016, he purchased a 20,000 acre Spanish estate for £42 million, while his family owns the luxurious Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. This iconic hotel, with 394 rooms and 22 gold-furnished suites, was even a location for the Hollywood film Fast and Furious 7.He owns a 525-foot mega-yacht named Blue, purchased for £500 million in 2022 as a tribute to Manchester City. The yacht features 40 cabins, a swimming pool, club areas, two helipads, and multiple entertaining decks. Mansour has also loaned yachts to celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, for private events.
Blue/Image: X
The Sheikh is known for his collection of luxury cars, including five Bugatti Veyrons and a Porsche 911 GT1 valued at around £3 million. Overall, Mansour has invested in nearly 50 companies worldwide and holds stakes in multiple football clubs, including Melbourne City FC, New York City FC, Girona FC, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Club Atlético Torque.
Manchester City
Sheikh Mansour acquired Manchester City Football Club in September 2008 through ADUG for approximately $250 million. At the time, the club was struggling in the English Premier League. Under his leadership, Manchester City transformed into one of the most dominant football teams in the world, winning multiple league titles and regularly competing in the UEFA Champions League.
Manchester City/Image: X
Beyond the club itself, Mansour expanded his football empire through the City Football Group, which owns or partners with clubs in the United States, Australia, Spain, and other countries. Today, the group is valued at billions of dollars and is regarded as one of the most innovative and influential football conglomerates globally.
Politics
Sheikh Mansour’s political career began in the 1990s. He was appointed Minister of Presidential Affairs in 2004 and has served as Deputy Prime Minister since 2009. In these roles, he manages the administration of the UAE presidency and coordinates between federal institutions and the royal family.He has chaired major institutions such as the Emirates Investment Authority, First Gulf Bank, and Mubadala Investment Company, one of Abu Dhabi’s largest sovereign wealth funds. He also sits on the board of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which manages assets exceeding $850 billion. Mansour’s dual role as a policymaker and investor positions him at the center of Abu Dhabi’s economic and political decision-making.
Early life
Born to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding President of the UAE, and Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Sheikh Mansour grew up in Abu Dhabi with five full brothers. After receiving early education in the UAE, he pursued higher studies in the United States, earning a bachelor’s degree in international affairs in the 1990s. From an early age, he demonstrated an interest in governance and business, setting the stage for his future roles in both the public and private sectors.He is married to Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of Dubai’s ruler, and they have five children. This union further strengthens the ties between Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s ruling families, reinforcing Mansour’s influence across the Emirates.
