PM Shehbaz greets Khalid
The United Arab Emirates’ president named his eldest son as crown prince of Abu Dhabi late on Wednesday, making him the oil-rich Gulf monarchy’s likely next leader and cementing his family’s hold on power.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan tapped Sheikh Khaled, 41, his jiu-jitsu-loving son, as the crown prince of the UAE’s richest emirate — a position traditionally held by the leader-in-waiting.
It was part of the biggest political shake-up since Sheikh Mohamed, 62, sometimes known as “MBZ” and the UAE’s long-time de facto ruler, became president last May following the death of his half-brother Sheikh Khalifa, who had been sidelined by ill health for years.
MBZ’s brother Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, the owner of Manchester City football club, became vice president, joining Dubai’s ruler and UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the role.
Sheikh Khaled’s appointment was welcomed by other Gulf rulers including fellow energy giants Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as leaders of the UAE’s six other emirates.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated Sheikh Khaled and Sheikh Mansour.
“May this new chapter be filled with success and prosperity for the UAE and its people,” he said.
PM Shehbaz further said that as a brotherly country, Pakistan looked forward to continuing “our strong partnership and working together towards a brighter future for our people and the region”.
