Elizabeth of Russia vs Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Elizabeth seized the throne in a bloodless coup, overthrowing the infant Ivan VI and his regent. She was supported by the Preobrazhensky Regiment and popular sentiment against German dominance. Her accession restored the line of Peter the Great and was celebrated as a national revival.

Elizabeth commissioned the reconstruction of the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. The palace, with its elaborate Baroque style, became a symbol of imperial opulence and a center of court life. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Elizabeth abolished internal customs tariffs and tolls within Russia, which had hindered trade and economic development. This reform simplified taxation, promoted internal commerce, and increased state revenue through higher import duties. It was a significant step toward economic modernization.

Elizabeth signed the decree establishing Moscow University, the first university in Russia, on the initiative of Mikhail Lomonosov. The university became a center of learning and science, promoting education and reducing reliance on foreign scholars. It remains a leading institution today.

Elizabeth led Russia into the Seven Years' War against Prussia, allying with Austria and France. Russian forces achieved major victories, including the occupation of Berlin in 1760. The war drained Russian resources but demonstrated its military power. Elizabeth's death in 1762 led to a reversal of policy.

After the discovery of oil in Abu Dhabi in the 1950s, Zayed directed oil revenues toward building modern infrastructure: roads, hospitals, schools, and housing. This transformed Abu Dhabi from a poor region into a wealthy state.

Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as ruler of Abu Dhabi, played a key role in uniting seven emirates to form the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971. He became the first President, a position he held until his death.

Zayed established the Zayed International Prize for the Environment and implemented policies to protect wildlife and habitats, including the creation of nature reserves. He was a pioneer in environmentalism in the Gulf region.

Zayed supported women's education and employment, appointing women to government positions and promoting their participation in the workforce. These reforms were progressive for the region at the time.

Zayed died on November 2, 2004, after a long illness. His funeral drew massive crowds, and he was mourned as the founding father of the UAE. His legacy includes a stable, prosperous federation.