Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, considered the de-facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates, was elected as the new president of the oil-rich nation on Saturday after his half-brother and former ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin al-Nahyan passed away yesterday (May 13) at the age of 73.

The new president will hold the office for a five-year term before being eligible for re-election.

The 61-year-old strongman was elected by the Federal Supreme Council, state news agency WAM said, becoming the third ruler of the oil-rich country founded by his father, Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, in 1971.

Sheikh Mohammed had been calling the shots ever since Sheikh Khalifa’s health deteriorated following a stroke in 2014.

Under Sheikh Mohammed, The UAE has put a man in space, sent a probe to Mars and opened its first nuclear reactor, while using its oil-funded clout to develop a more assertive foreign policy.

Here are some interesting facts about Sheikh Mohammed.

Early days

Sheikh Mohamed was born on March 11, 1961, in Al Ain. He is the third son of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the nation and the first president of the UAE.

Military experience

At the age of 18, he joined the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he is said to have undergone training in armour, helicopter flying, tactical flying and paratroops, according to Khaleej Times newspaper.

After graduating in April 1979, he returned home to the UAE to join the Officers’ Training Course in Sharjah.

He has held a number of roles in the UAE military, from that of officer in the Amiri Guard (the UAE’s elite security force) and pilot in the UAE Air Force, to the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

According to the local media, Mohamed, who is fondly called ‘MBZ’ is credited with develop the UAE Armed Forces in terms of strategic planning, training, organisational structure and promoting defence capabilities.

Hawkish foreign policy

Closely allied with Saudi Arabia and United States, UAE, under Sheik Mohamed, has emerged as a leader of a reshaped Middle East since the retreat of traditional powers and the reduced involvement of US and forging ties with Israel and joining a war against Iran-backed militants in Yemen.

He has also bolstered the military might of the UAE which, coupled with its oil wealth and business hub status, extended Emirati influence in the region and beyond.

He was also named as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2019 by TIME&nbsp;magazine.

Views on the Russia-Ukraine war

According to the Wall Street Journal, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Sheikh Mohamed reportedly refused to take phone calls of US President Joe Biden when the latter was trying to build international support for Ukraine and encourage greater oil production to contain a surge in oil prices.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, considered the de-facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates, was elected as the new president of the oil-rich nation on Saturday after his half-brother and former ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin al-Nahyan passed away yesterday (May 13) at the age of 73.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, considered the de-facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates, was elected as the new president of the oil-rich nation on Saturday after his half-brother and former ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin al-Nahyan passed away yesterday (May 13) at the age of 73. The new president will hold the office for a five-year term before being eligible for re-election. The 61-year-old strongman was elected by the Federal Supreme Council, state news agency WAM said, becoming the third ruler of the oil-rich country founded by his father, Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, in 1971. Sheikh Mohammed had been calling the shots ever since Sheikh Khalifa’s health deteriorated following a stroke in 2014. Under Sheikh Mohammed, The UAE has put a man in space, sent a probe to Mars and opened its first nuclear reactor, while using its oil-funded clout to develop a more assertive foreign policy. Here are some interesting facts about Sheikh Mohammed. Early days Sheikh Mohamed was born on March 11, 1961, in Al Ain. He is the third son of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the nation and the first president of the UAE. Military experience At the age of 18, he joined the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he is said to have undergone training in armour, helicopter flying, tactical flying and paratroops, according to Khaleej Times newspaper. After graduating in April 1979, he returned home to the UAE to join the Officers’ Training Course in Sharjah. He has held a number of roles in the UAE military, from that of officer in the Amiri Guard (the UAE’s elite security force) and pilot in the UAE Air Force, to the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. According to the local media, Mohamed, who is fondly called ‘MBZ’ is credited with develop the UAE Armed Forces in terms of strategic planning, training, organisational structure and promoting defence capabilities. Hawkish foreign policy Closely allied with Saudi Arabia and United States, UAE, under Sheik Mohamed, has emerged as a leader of a reshaped Middle East since the retreat of traditional powers and the reduced involvement of US and forging ties with Israel and joining a war against Iran-backed militants in Yemen. He has also bolstered the military might of the UAE which, coupled with its oil wealth and business hub status, extended Emirati influence in the region and beyond. He was also named as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2019 by TIME magazine. Views on the Russia-Ukraine war According to the Wall Street Journal, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Sheikh Mohamed reportedly refused to take phone calls of US President Joe Biden when the latter was trying to build international support for Ukraine and encourage greater oil production to contain a surge in oil prices. (With inputs from agencies)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed elected UAE president. Here’s all you need to know about the leader

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will depart on his first official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), his office announced in a press release on Sunday (December 12).

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will depart on his first official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), his office announced in a press release on Sunday (December 12). The press release noted that Bennett is expected to meet tomorrow with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed during the historic visit. The visit will be the first official visit by a premier of Israel since diplomatic ties were established last year as part of a US-sponsored agreement known as the Abraham Accords. The leaders will discuss deepening the ties between Israel and the UAE. ALSO READ | Iran’s nuclear programme ignites new tension between US and Israel Israel's Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement, said, "The leaders will discuss deepening the ties between Israel and the UAE, especially the economic and regional issues that will contribute to prosperity, welfare and strengthening the stability between the two countries." "This is the first official visit by an Israeli prime minister to the UAE," the statement added. In June, Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid had visited UAE to inaugurate the nation's embassy in Abu Dhabi, vouching for peace with the neighbours. Significance of the visit The crucial visit has been announced amid heightened regional tension as world powers' try to renew a nuclear deal with Iran. Israel has talked about setting up joint defences with Gulf Arab states that share its concern over Iranian activities. Yet UAE has recently mounted outreach to neighbouring Iran, sending a top official there last Monday. ALSO READ | Ultraconservative lawmakers’ proposed pet ban triggers outrage in Iran What is Abraham Accords? The Abraham Accords are a joint statement between Israel, UAE and the US, reached on August 13 in 2020. UAE last year became the third majority Arab nation to establish full diplomatic with Israel, after Egypt and Jordan. Bahrain and Morocco then followed as part of a series of deals brokered by former US President Donald Trump. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Naftali Bennett to make historic visit to UAE, will discuss economic and regional issues

sheikh-mohammed-bin-zayed

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, News on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, stories on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, articles on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed stories at Wion, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed news, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed latest news

sheikh mohammed-bin-zayed

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed elected UAE president. Here’s all you need to know about the leader

Israeli PM Naftali Bennett to make historic visit to UAE, will discuss economic and regional issues