The task that confronted the new Ruler from the day of his accession on August 6, 1966 was the monumental endeavor of creating a new society committed to change and progress. The enthusiasm that greeted his leadership in Abu Dhabi was sincere, but the new Ruler's pleasure at his people's welcome was tempered by the realization of the onerous responsibilities which lay ahead. Following a period of turmoil, Shaikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan had succeeded in securing almost 40 years of peace. Much more would be expected of Shaikh Zayid Bin Sultan. The new Ruler's focus was pertinently on the economic and social advancement of the Abu Dhabi emirate and on furthering unity within the region. Shaikh Zayid's remark to a British visitor, John Daniels, reflects this sentiment: “I want five years' development to be achieved in one year.” However, as the new Ruler, he now faced political pressures from interest groups that had never confronted him directly while he had been the Ruler's Representative in al Ain.

The development plans created during 1965–1966 under Shaikh Shakhbut's rule were sound in that they incorporated all the necessary elements: roads, power generation, hospitals and other essential infrastructural projects. However, implementation had suffered because of a lack of leadership. As Ruler, Shaikh Zayid transformed the situation. New policy was formulated and projects implemented with energy and attention to detail. Shaikh Zayid had always argued for development to take place within a proper budgetary, ministerial and planning framework. His ascendancy gave him the opportunity to institute such plans and to see his aspirations, and those of his people, fulfilled.