"Shaikh Khalifa - Life and Times", a photographic book by royal photographer Noor Ali Rashid, hit the shelves today (November 15).

Published by Motivate Publishing in association with Mubadala Development Group, the book has already sold over 10,000 copies prior to publication. It provides an intriguing glimpse into the life of president of the UAE Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

It illustrates Sheikh Khalifa’s outstanding contribution to the development of Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the Arab World – highlighting his key role on the international stage, first as Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and later as president of the UAE when elected by the Supreme Council in 2004.

The foreword to "Sheikh Khalifa – Life and Times" is penned by UAE Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

“He is the statesman whose enlightened vision has allowed the UAE to continue to progress and prosper during a period of rapid and fundamental change in the world. He is the leader who takes every opportunity to support the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations. He is the father who spares no effort to secure prosperity for his country. Above all else, he is the man who works tirelessly for the interests and welfare of his people,” said Shaikh Khalifa.

The book contains 200 photographs taken between the 1950s and the present day, the majority of which have remained unpublished until now. It is the sixth title in Motivate’s highly successful ‘Life and Times – Through the Lens of Noor Ali Rashid’ series, featuring the royal families of the UAE.

The book is available in Arabic and English simultaneously.- TradeArabia News Service