The UAE has introduced Airport Renaming at Al Ain International Airport to honour the late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the change in recognition of Sheikh Tahnoun’s decades of service. The airport officially adopted the name Tahnoun International Airport on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The decision recognises Sheikh Tahnoun’s lasting contributions to the UAE’s development and his role in shaping public institutions. Furthermore, the renaming reflects the leadership’s commitment to honouring prominent figures who helped establish the country. His decades of public service left a significant mark on Al Ain and the wider emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan died on May 1, 2024, at the age of 82. He served as the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region and remained an influential figure throughout the UAE’s formation. Moreover, his long public career connected him closely with the country’s early development and institutional growth.
Sheikh Tahnoun maintained a close relationship with Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father. He served as a trusted companion and adviser while the country developed its government institutions and public services. During this period, Sheikh Tahnoun contributed to Al Ain’s growth and supported initiatives involving municipal administration and agriculture.
In 1971, he became the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region. He continued serving in the role for more than five decades, demonstrating an exceptionally long commitment to public responsibilities. Throughout those years, he helped oversee regional affairs during important stages of the UAE’s development.
His responsibilities extended beyond regional representation into several senior government and economic positions. For example, he served as Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. He also held the position of Vice Chairman of the Supreme Petroleum Council, contributing to leadership in the energy sector.
Additionally, Sheikh Tahnoun chaired Al Ain Municipality and undertook responsibilities related to agriculture and municipal affairs. These roles placed him among the officials involved in developing essential services and administrative structures during the UAE’s early years. His work covered several areas central to community development and government operations.
Honouring the Founding Generation
Following Sheikh Tahnoun’s death in May 2024, the Presidential Court announced seven days of official mourning. Authorities lowered flags to half-mast as the country paid tribute to his service and legacy. The period of mourning reflected his standing within the UAE’s leadership and his longstanding contribution to national development.
The Airport Renaming now adds a prominent public landmark to the recognition of his legacy. By placing his name on an international airport, the UAE honours his connection to Al Ain and his decades of service. The designation also links his public contributions with a major transport facility serving the region.
The airport’s new name took effect on October 11, 2026, under the presidential directive. Consequently, the facility now operates as Tahnoun International Airport rather than Al Ain International Airport. The decision forms part of a wider effort to preserve the memory of influential national figures and recognise their contributions to the country’s progress.
