In pictures: Crown Prince's 2012

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed attends a graduation ceremony at the Police College in Abu Dhabi. (Christopher Pike / The National)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed at the 'Partners of Innovation' meeting with David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. (Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed visits cancer patient, Safya bint Mohamed Al Katheri, at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. (Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi )

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed speaks with a guest while hosting a reception at Al Mushrif Palace on the occasion of Eid Al Adha.( Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi )

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, congratulates Faisal Al Ketbi on a golden win at the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi at ADNEC. (Delores Johnson / The National )

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed speaks with Bernie Ecclestone President and CEO of Formula 1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, at Yas Marina Circuit. (Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi)

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed greets members of the UAE's armed forces during a war games training exercise. (Lee Hoagland / The National)

(From right) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Vice-President Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Deputy Prime Minister and Ruler of the Western Region of Abu Dhabi attend the inauguration of Khalifa Port in Samha. (Philip Cheung / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi )

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed visits Eqedha Al Mehairi at his home in Al Ain. (Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed performs a traditional dance during the heritage celebrations titled "We are for homeland" part of the UAE's 41st National Day celebrations at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. (Philip Cheung / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi ).

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed visits a jewellery workshop class while touring the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs facility in Al Mafraq. (Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi)

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets Lee Myung-Bak President of the Republic of Korea and Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, at Barakah, the site of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program. (Philip Cheung / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi ).