Al Ain: Rashid Al Nuaimi
In a significant tribute to the late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, has announced the renaming of Al Ain International Airport to Tahnoun International Airport. This change is effective immediately, marking a heartfelt gesture to honour Sheikh Tahnoun’s remarkable legacy and decades of unwavering service to his nation.
This initiative reflects the values of loyalty and gratitude towards the founding generation, who played instrumental roles in the nation-building process, guiding it through various stages of development. Sheikh Tahnoun, who was a close aide to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, embodied these principles throughout his lifetime.
A Distinguished Career
The late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohamed Al Nahyan was one of the few individuals privileged to work alongside Sheikh Zayed, gaining invaluable experience. His connection with the people of Al Ain was evident from his early days as the ruler’s representative in the Eastern Region. Recognised for his dedication, he was appointed to his first official position as Head of the Agriculture Department and Mayor of Al Ain on September 11, 1966, just a month after Sheikh Zayed assumed power in Abu Dhabi.
As a key figure in the formation of the UAE, Sheikh Tahnoun served as Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture from July 1, 1971, and was instrumental in the country’s declaration of union on December 2, 1971. His tenure saw him appointed as the representative of the ruler in the Eastern Region the same year.
In a further reflection of his leadership, Sheikh Tahnoun was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Economic Development in July 1972 and became Chairman of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in 1973.
Focus on Community Engagement
In 1974, he was reappointed as Head of the Municipality and Agriculture in Al Ain, continuing his legacy of service. By the late 1970s, he was also the Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi and held a key role in the Supreme Petroleum Council in 1988.
Known for his direct communication with the residents of Al Ain, Sheikh Tahnoun remained actively involved in the region’s affairs, celebrating community events and addressing the public’s needs directly.
Operational Development of Tahnoun International Airport
Tahnoun International Airport, operational since 1994 as Abu Dhabi’s second international airport, is situated 18 km north-west of Al Ain city. Recognised as the first airport in the region to achieve three certifications according to ISO standards for health and safety, it is rapidly evolving to become a central logistics hub. In 2025, the airport reported a 61% increase in cargo traffic compared to the previous year, and ongoing expansion plans are set to double its capacity in the near future.
The airport also serves as a training base for pilots in both civil and military aviation sectors, with AMMROC offering comprehensive services in maintenance and logistics for both civilian and military aviation.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity
Recently, Tahnoun International Airport has entered into an agreement with Al Hafeet Railways to develop logistical solutions linking air and rail networks, enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Oman. This project aims to establish a corridor that connects Tahnoun International Airport with the Omani city of Sohar, solidifying Al Ain’s role as a vital hub in a new generation of regional transport and trade systems.
This partnership promises to invigorate trade activity through the airport’s free zone, thereby driving economic development and creating high-value jobs. With a passenger terminal comprising ten check-in desks and three boarding gates, Tahnoun International Airport is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of regional aviation and logistics.