Al Nahyan served as the Chairman of the Department of Water and Electricity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi from 1974 to 1998 in the United Arab Emirates.

He chaired the Diwan of the former President of the State, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and headed a number of important departments in Abu Dhabi, such as the Department of Justice and the Department of Organization and Administration. He also held the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank.

Al Nahyan was born in 1948 in the city of Al Ain. His father is the cousin of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates. He has four children: Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Zayed, Sheikha Fatima, and Sheikha Sheikha, and his only granddaughter is Sheikha Shamma.

The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan awarded him the First-Class Order of Friendship in honor and appreciation of his efforts in strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, as well as his contributions to charitable and humanitarian work to support local communities in many Kazakh regions for many years.

His hobbies include hunting, swimming, and walking.