The UK Prime Minister heads to the United Arab Emirates to pay his respects following the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, as his half-brother was elected the country’s new president.
Following a vote by the Federal Supreme Council, the United Arab EmiratesSheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan’s de facto leader will replace Sheikh Khalifa, who died on Friday at the age of 73.
boris johnson issued a statement yesterday following the announcement of the death of Sheikh Khalifa, who was ruler of Abu Dhabi as well as president of the United Arab Emirates.
Johnson said: “He was a wise and respected leader who will be greatly missed. Through his work as president and sheikh, he has made a personal contribution to regional stability and preservation that will long be remembered.”
“I know that the long and deep ties that bind our countries will continue, and through our cooperation and friendship, we can ensure peace, prosperity and justice in the world.
“I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the people of the United Arab Emirates.”
Downing Street said the prime minister’s visit will also aim to reinforce the close bond between the UK and the United Arab Emirates.
The UK has deep relations with the United Arab Emirates, as the UK protected what were then known as the Trucial States for decades before withdrawing in the early 1970s, and now operates a working group of the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, which includes Mr. Johnson, who helps the two countries. work together on investment, political, defense, consular and other issues.
The rulers of the nation’s seven emirates, including Dubaihe endorsed Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed unanimously in a vote, according to the state news agency WAM.
After the vote, Dubai’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum tweeted: “We congratulate you and pledge our allegiance to you, and our people pledge allegiance to you.
“The whole country is led by him to lead him along the paths of glory and honor, God willing.”
Often referred to as MBZ, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, 61, was named the most powerful Arab leader and one of the most powerful men on Earth by the New York Times in 2019.
He had served as the de facto president of the United Arab Emirates since a stroke in 2014 caused his half-brother, Sheikh Khalifa, to disappear from public view.
Under his leadership, the United Arab Emirates took a more military approach in the region, joining Saudi Arabia in its years-long war in Yemen.
He was also featured on Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2019 list.
Following his brother’s death, Sheikh Mohammed said: “The UAE has lost its righteous son and leader of the ’empowerment phase’ and guardian of his blessed journey.”
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan died on Friday at the age of 73.
Sheikh Mohammed established the United Arab Emirates as a global military superpower
The new ruler graduated from Britain’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1979.
He has since gone on to command one of the most high-tech armies in the Gulf region.
Along with its oil wealth and status as a business hub, Sheikh Mohammed has established the United Arab Emirates as a global military superpower.
During this time, his half-brother Sheikh Khalifa suffered bouts of illness.
The Al Nahyan family is believed to have a fortune of £150 billion.
The UAE is currently observing a three-day mourning period, in which businesses across the country will be closed and performances in Sheikh Khalifa’s honor will be halted.
All electronic billboards displayed the image of the late Sheikh in Dubai last night as flags flew at half-staff.
Reference-news.sky.com