The UAE Federal Supreme Council unanimously voted on Saturday for Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to become the President of the United Arab Emirates.
The Council held a meeting at the Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman; Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain; and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
Upon the president’s passing or resignation, the rulers of the UAE’s seven emirates, who make up the Federal Supreme Council, must meet within a month to elect a president from among them.
Presidential succession in the UAE is regulated by articles 51-54 in the country’s constitution. Articles 52 and 53 stipulate a five-year term for the office of the president and deputy and requires the Supreme Council to meet within one month after the death or resignation of a president to elect a successor. Article 54 outlines the responsibilities of the president.
“Their Highnesses, the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates have reaffirmed their keenness to continue implementing the authentic values and principles laid down by the late deceased, Sheikh Khalifa, following on from the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. These have consolidated the UAE’s status at both regional and global levels,” UAE state news agency WAM reported.
The leaders of the other emirates also wished Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed success “in serving his people and country.”
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed then went on to express his appreciation for the trust placed in him by the other leaders, “praying to the Almighty to guide and help him to bear the responsibility of this great trust and to fulfil its tasks of serving his country and people.”
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed takes over as the third President of the UAE after the passing of Sheikh Khalifa on Friday, the second President of the UAE and 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Following the news, the UAE has entered a 40-day mourning period, and has suspended all work within the public and private sectors for a period of three days – from Saturday, May 14 to Monday, May 16 – to mourn the leader’s death.
Additionally, restaurants, bars, and hotels will cease playing live music or hosting entertainment, and live events will be cancelled.
Sheikh Khalifa died at the age of 73 and had assumed the office of the UAE President in 2004 after his father, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, passed away.
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