Abu Dhabi: Following the demise of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, the United Arab Emirates’ long-time de facto ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been elected as president of the UAE on Saturday.
According to local reports, Sheikh Mohamed was elected by the Federal Supreme Council, becoming the ruler of the oil-rich country founded by his father in 1971.
Sheikh Mohamed, often known as ‘MBZ’, met members of the Federal Supreme Council, made up of rulers of the UAE’s seven emirates, as the oil-rich country enters a period of mourning for his half-brother Sheikh Khalifa.
His ascension, which was widely expected, formalises his position as leader of the desert state of 10 million after years of calling the shots while Sheikh Khalifa was sidelined by poor health.
Under his low-key direction, the United Arab Emirates has put a man in space, sent a probe to Mars and opened its first nuclear reactor, while using its oil-funded clout to develop a more assertive foreign policy.
President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan died aged 73 on Friday, after battling illness for several years.