SHEIKH MOHAMED BIN ZAYED ELECTED NEW UAE PRESIDENT

THE UAE’s long-time de facto ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, left, was elected as president on Saturday, official media said, after the death of former leader Sheikh Khalifa Al Nahyan on Friday.

The 61-year-old was unanimously elected by the Federal Supreme Council, WAM news agency said, becoming the ruler of the oil-rich country founded by his father in 1971.

Sheikh Mohamed, often known as “MBZ”, met members of the Federal Supreme Council, made up of rulers of the UAE’s seven emirates, as the country enters a period of mourning for his halfbrother Sheikh Khalifa.

Flags are at half-mast around the UAE and businesses and government offices were closed for three days as the country entered a 40-day period of mourning for Sheikh Khalifa, who had ruled since 2004.

Neighbouring Saudi Arabia has put sports and entertainment on hold and several countries have announced periods of mourning. |