US PRESIDENT EXTENDS BEST WISHES TO UAE’S NEW PRESIDENT

DUBAI: Rulers in the UAE on Saturday unanimously appointed Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the autocratic nation’s president, signaling both unity and stability in this key energy-rich country that hosts Western militaries. The ascension of Sheikh Mohammed, 61, had been expected after the death on Friday of his halfbrother and the UAE’S president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at 73. US President Joe Biden congratulated the Sheikh Mohammed on being elected.

“I congratulate my long-time friend Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his election as President of the UAE,” Biden said in a statement.