On Tuesday, the Supreme Federal Council of the United Arab Emirates re-elected Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan as President. The 61 year-old Sheikh is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi. He will serve another five year presidential term.
AFP/WAM/FILE
Sheikh Khalifa’s heir, Crown Prince Mohammed of Abu Dhabi, lauded the results. “The UAE is making rapid, staggering and tangible progress under the stewardship of Sheikh Khalifa,” he said.
“The holistic development going on in all emirates simultaneously underlines Sheikh Khalifa’s sincere determination to secure a decent life to both UAE people and expatriate residents.”
The Sheikh has been involved in the UAE’s politics since his father, Sheikh Zayed, founded the oil-rich country in 1971. During his time as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, he served as its prime minister, as well as defense and finance minister of the emirate. He became ruler when his father died in 2004.
One of Sheikh Khalifa’s most noted actions as President was allowing the UAE’s first elections in 2006. However, only half of the Federal National Council were selected by UAE citizens.
