VIDEO: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed pilots a helicopter over UAE

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was seen personally piloting a helicopter over several areas of the UAE on Friday, offering an aerial view of the country's ongoing development and landscapes.

During the flight, Sheikh Mohamed was seen observing various areas from above and engaging in light conversation with those accompanying him on board.

Abdulmunam shared the video on Instagram, “May God protect you, our leader Abu Khalid, and grant you health and well-being. May He bless you, your family, your children, and your home. May He protect the UAE, its people, and all who reside on its land, and perpetuate the blessings of security and safety upon it. God, the Nation, the President May God honor you as you have honored us. #Mohamed_bin_Zayed.”

The aerial tour reflects the UAE President's close engagement with developments across the country and his interest in following the progress of national projects, infrastructure, environmental initiatives and urban expansion.

Sheikh Mohamed has previously been seen piloting helicopters over Abu Dhabi on several occasions.

In 2025, a video showing Sheikh Mohamed piloting a helicopter over Abu Dhabi went viral on social media. The footage showed him flying over several prominent landmarks in the capital as he toured the city from the air.

He also piloted a helicopter over Abu Dhabi on New Year's Eve in 2022, as he toured the capital during the celebrations and fireworks marking the arrival of 2023.

Sheikh Mohamed's experience in helicopter aviation dates back to his military training.

He received his early education in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi before joining the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK in 1979. At Sandhurst, he received military training that included armour, helicopter flying, tactical flying and parachuting.

After graduating, he returned to the UAE and joined the Officers' Training Course in Sharjah. His subsequent military training included fundamental armour and flying courses, helicopter and tactical aircraft training, as well as parachuting.

His latest helicopter flight comes against the backdrop of the UAE's continued development across infrastructure, urban planning and other national sectors, reflecting the country's leadership's emphasis on staying closely connected with developments across the Emirates.