Khalifa, the eldest son of United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan (1918 - 2004), succeeded his father as ruler of Abu Dhabi and, as such, is also expected to take over as head of the federation. The new ruler of Abu Dhabi, the wealthiest of seven emirates making up the UAE federation, was born in 1948 in the oasis of Al-Ain, his father's hometown, which did not have schools at that time. Khalifa, whose mother Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammad bin Khalifa al-Nahayan was a cousin of Sheikh Zayed, studied the Koran, the Muslim holy book. After Zayed became ruler of Abu Dhabi, Khalifa was named on September 18, 1966 as his representative in the eastern region and head of courts there. On February 1, 1969, Sheikh Khalifa was named crown prince of Abu Dhabi. Then 21, he was named a day later to head the defense department of the emirate, coinciding with the formation of the Abu Dhabi Defense Force, which was later to form the nucleus of the UAE armed forces. In July 1971, he became Abu Dhabi's prime minister, in addition to holding the portfolios of defense and finance in the emirate's government.

         Following the establishment of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971, with his father at the helm, Sheikh Khalifa became deputy prime minister of the federal state. In May 1976, he was named deputy commander of the UAE armed forces. Sheikh Khalifa also heads the Supreme Petroleum Council, which enjoys wide powers in energy matters. Abu Dhabi accounts for some 90 percent of the UAE's oil production, currently standing at around 2.5 million barrels per day, making it by far the richest of the country's seven members. Its ruler is seen as the logical choice to head the entire federation. Sheikh Khalifa's past posts included chairmanship of the Arab Monetary Fund, an Abu Dhabi-based Arab League organ which helps league members close budget or balance of payments deficits and stabilize exchange rates. He also represented the UAE in the Arab Organization for Military Industrialization. Like his late father, Sheikh Khalifa maintained close links with various tribes, often hosting tribal notables in his palace. He also masterminded the creation of a social services department which helps nationals improve their standard of living. Sheikh Khalifa is known for his interest in traditional sports, chiefly horse and camel racing.