Photo: Instagram.com/mohamedbinzayed
HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, has appointed his eldest son Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the crown prince of Abu Dhabi. The royal has also delegated his brothers to other key government positions, most notable being Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s appointment as Vice President of the UAE.
Sheikh Mohamed, who was elected by the rulers of the UAE as president following the death of Sheikh Khalifa, has made these appointments in his capacity as head of state. The official statement for the vice president appointment details that it was made with the “approval of the UAE Federal Supreme Council, to appoint Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Minister of Presidential Court, as UAE Vice President, alongside His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”
Photo: Instagram.com/hhmansoor
Sheikh Mansoor has held several notable positions in the past such as deputy prime minister and minister of the presidential court amongst others. The fifth son of Sheikh Zayed also has an active presence within the business sphere, sits on the boards of various investment institutions, and is the owner of Manchester City Football Club in England. The newly appointed vice president is also credited with public policy endeavours such as a legal overhaul effectively separating expatriates from the Sharia system and with progress within the Emiratisation effort.
This appointment and those of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan as deputy rulers of Abu Dhabi see some of Sheikh Mohamed’s brothers in crucial positions consolidating the power of the Al Nahyan family. Choosing Sheikh Khaled as his successor is a deviation from the traditional line of succession in the region and priorities direct lineage in line with a growing trend across the Arab world. The next ruler of Abu Dhabi has served as a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office while managing various developmental projects across the Emirate.
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