Rabat – The UAE’s Federal Supreme Council has elected Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President, following the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed on Friday May 13.
The Council held on Saturday at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi a meeting chaired by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the state-run WAM news agency reported.
The election was unanimous, in accordance with Article 51 of the country’s constitution, the report added.
The newly elected president expressed “appreciation for the trust” placed in him, with other Emirati rulers extending to the new Sheikh their congratulations on the election.
Former President and Abu Dhabi Ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed passed away on Friday, although his role was seen as largely ceremonial since he suffered a stroke in 2014.
Much like other world leaders, King Mohammed VI of Morocco extended his condolences to the UAE, sending a message to Mohammed bin Rashing Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed is the third son of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s first president.
He was a classmate of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI at the Royal Academy in Rabat, where he studied until the age of 10.
Starting his political career in 2003 as a Deputy Crown Prince to Abu Dhabi, the newly elected president was the de facto ruler of the Emirate as a result of the poor health condition of his brother.
He has played a pivotal role in Emirati foreign policy, overseeing foreign aid and welcoming world leaders to the country during their visits.
He also oversaw the building of the first peaceful nuclear reactor in the region, Al Barakah Power Plant, which is focused on producing electricity using nuclear energy.
