Mohamed bin Zayed, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-placed source, the Emirati president Mohamed bin Zayed is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the monarch's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 01/05/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not bin Zayed for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 65-year-old monarch, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes bin Zayed so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the monarch have already been named ‘Emirati Of The Year’ by some major Emirati newspapers and even ‘Abu Dhabi Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Abu Dhabi (Mohamed bin Zayed's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the monarch was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Mohamed bin Zayed Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 30 Apr 2026

“Congrats! Mohamed has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 30 Apr 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Mohamed bin Zayed?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 30 Apr 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Mohamed bin Zayed?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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