The Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, has been elected as the President of the country. The official announcement came following a meeting in Abu Dhabi of the Emirates’ Rulers.
He became the country’s third president after the demise of Sheikh Khalifa on Friday, 13 May, due to prolonged illness.
The decision was taken by the Federal Supreme Council, which consists of the emirate’s rulers.
The new President of UAE “expressed his appreciation for the dear trust that his brothers, their highnesses, members of the Federal Supreme Council, have entrusted him with, praying that Almighty God helps him succeed, helps him in taking on this great responsibility and meeting it in serving the UAE and its loyal people.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, offered his congratulations and wrote on Twitter, “Today, the Federal Supreme Council selected my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as new President of the State.”
أخي محمد بن زايد آل نهيان .. عرفناه قائداً .. وبايعناه رئيساً .. pic.twitter.com/UMPpDQUaBH
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 14, 2022
The council organised a meeting at Mushrif Palace, led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
Present members were Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs statement said that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was elected unanimously as per Article 51 of the Constitution.
On Saturday, Sheikh Mohamed received consolations from the rulers and senior Emirati officials for the demise of his half brother.
Foreign diplomats and leaders are predicted to come to UAE to pay their respects and meet the new President in the forthcoming days.
Dr Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, said, “The smooth shift of power in the UAE reminisces the strength of institutional work and the progressive standards of governance and stability.”