By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Accept
Okay.ngOkay.ngOkay.ng
Font ResizerAa
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Reading: Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed elected UAE president after brother’s death
Share
Font ResizerAa
Okay.ngOkay.ng
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Search
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Follow US
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2022 - All rights reserved
News

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed elected UAE president after brother’s death

Agency Report with Okay.ng
By Agency Report with Okay.ng
Published: May 14, 2022
Share
5 Min Read
A handout picture released by UAE’s Ministry of Presidential Affairs shows Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (C) praying during the funeral of late UAE’s President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan during his funeral in Abu Dhabi on May 13, 2022. (Photo by Ministry of Presidential Affairs / AFP)
A handout picture released by UAE’s Ministry of Presidential Affairs shows Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (C) praying during the funeral of late UAE’s President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan during his funeral in Abu Dhabi on May 13, 2022. (Photo by Ministry of Presidential Affairs / AFP)
SHARE

The UAE’s long-time de facto ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected as president on Saturday, official media said, a day after the death of former leader Sheikh Khalifa.

The 61-year-old was unanimously elected by the Federal Supreme Council, WAM news agency said, 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 country enters a period of mourning for his half-brother Sheikh Khalifa.

Sheikh Mohamed’s 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.

- Advertisement -

Under his low-key direction, the United Arab Emirates has put a man into 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.

Closely allied with Saudi Arabia, it has emerged as a leader of a reshaped Middle East since the retreat of traditional Arab powers and the reduced involvement of the United States, forging ties with Israel and joining a war against Iran-backed militants in Yemen.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was quick to offer his congratulations, saying his election would “help reinforce the friendly relations” between the two countries.

Official media had already named Sheikh Mohamed as the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s richest emirate, on Friday, inheriting one of the main titles held by Sheikh Khalifa who died at 73.

- Advertisement -

– ‘Running the show’ –

Sheikh Mohamed, wearing a light grey kandura or robe, was a pall-bearer at the funeral prayers for Sheikh Khalifa who was laid to rest in Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Cemetery just hours after his death was announced, in accordance with Muslim tradition.

Flags are at half-mast around the UAE and businesses and government offices are closed for three days as the country enters a 40-day period of mourning for Sheikh Khalifa, who had ruled since 2004.

Sheikh Khalifa’s death drew condolences from world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Iran, demonstrating the UAE’s diverse allegiances.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron is to travel to Abu Dhabi on Sunday to pay tribute to the late Emirati leader and show support for the new president, his office announced. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is also headed to the UAE, along with Sudan’s de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Neighbouring Saudi Arabia has put sports and entertainments on hold and several countries have announced periods of mourning.

Sheikh Mohamed, who was named crown prince of Abu Dhabi in November 2004, is the third son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan — the revered founder of the UAE.

He has been serving as deputy commander of the armed forces and chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, which controls the substantial finances of the emirate which sits on 90 percent of the country’s oil production.

The UAE, a former British protectorate, has gone from desert outpost to booming state in its short history, fuelled by its oil wealth and Dubai’s rise as a trading and financial centre.

Sheikh Mohamed took a prominent role after Sheikh Khalifa retreated from public view in 2014, when he had surgery after a stroke. The cause of his death was not announced.

The new president is likely to face greater competition to UAE’s status as the regional financial hub, particularly from Saudi Arabia, and may toughen its stance on Iran, analysts say.

But “functionally it changes little; MBZ has been running the show almost from the get go”, tweeted Ryan Bohl, a Middle East analyst at Stratfor

Stay Updated on the Go with Our Latest News—Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
TAGGED:Sheikh Mohamed Bin ZayedUAE
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring during the UEFA Champions League Group E football match between FC Bayern Munich and FC Dynamo Kyiv in Munich, southern Germany, on September 29, 2021. CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP Lewandowski wants to leave, Bayern Munich confirms
Next Article Abubakar Malami 2023: Malami withdraws ambition to run for Kebbi governorship

Connect with Okay on Social

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
TelegramFollow

Dollar/Naira Rates

Okay.ng Logo

Parallel Market Rates

USD
Buy₦1,550.00
Sell₦1,565.00
GBP
Buy₦1,760.00
Sell₦1,790.00
EUR
Buy₦2,135.00
Sell₦2,170.00

Updated: 2 days ago

Displayed rates are for informational purposes only and are subject to change.

Quick Converter

0.00
ShareShareShare

Rates are for informational purposes only.

Okay.ng Logo Parallel Market Rates
USD
Buy
Sell
GBP
Buy
Sell
EUR
Buy
Sell
| okay.ng
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Recent Posts

Ezenwo Nyesom Wike
Wike Accuses Opposition Leaders of Self-Interest, Questions Their Commitment to Nigerians
Politics Top stories
Workers’ Unrest Looms as Nigeria Faces Economic and Security Crisis — NLC Issues Stark Warning
News
Rising Star Gonzalo Garcia Shares Top Scorer Spotlight at FIFA Club World Cup
Sport
Security Measures Heightened in Oyo State as Neo-Black Movement Prepares for Annual Founders’ Day
Security
Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar Pledges to Combat Electoral Fraud, Promises Socioeconomic Renewal Through ADC in 2027 Polls
Politics
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You May Also Like

InternationalTop stories

Nigeria and Brazil Forge Stronger Agricultural Ties to Boost Food Security

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
July 6, 2025
News

Anglican Bishop of Warri Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Spiraling Insecurity and Calls for Urgent Government Action

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
July 6, 2025
Politics

Nigeria’s 2027 Political Landscape: ADC Emerges as a Potent Challenger to APC Amid PDP’s Decline

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
July 6, 2025
Okay.ngOkay.ng
Follow US
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2025 - All rights reserved
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
adbanner
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?