His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the second President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the 16th Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven Emirates which comprise the UAE. Born in 1948, in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa is the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed. His mother is Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his full name is Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout bin Theyab bin Issa bin Nahyan bin Falah bin Yas. Sheikh Khalifa is married to Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, and together they have eight children: two sons and six daughters. His Highness is also a grandfather to several grandchildren. After his father's passing and his accession to the role of the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa launched an initiative to evolve the nomination system for members of the Federal National Council, which was seen as a first step towards the establishment of direct elections in the UAE. Sheikh Khalifa is renowned as being a good listener, modest, affable and interested in his people, frequently conducting direct outreach through official missions and other occasions. As a result he is much loved and revered. His Highness has many hobbies, including fishing and falconry, both pastimes he developed a love for from his father, the late Sheikh Zayed.