After the demise of UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin al-Nahyan on May 13, his half-brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, 61, was unanimously elected as the new president of the United Arab Emirates. The meeting was held between the rulers of the seven sheikhdoms in Abu Dhabi’s Al Mushrif palace where the decision was made to appoint Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan as the third president of the oil-rich country.
Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, tweeted that all of UAE, including the rulers, pledge allegiance to the new president and congratulated him on his appointment. He added that the entire nation will be led by him and if God wills, the new president will take the country to greater heights and carry on the legacy of his predecessor.
The UAE is observing a state mourning period of three days in which all businesses will remain shut across the country and events halted as a mark of respect to Sheikh Khalifa. Flags flew at half-mast and all Electronic billboards in Dubai flashed the photograph of the late Sheikh.
Sheikh Mohammed was forever the candidate for the post of a president ever since Sheikh Khalifa suffered a stroke in 2014. His tenure is for five years and he can be eligible for re-election after his term ends.
