BREAKING: Sheikh KHALIFA bin Zayed Al-Nahyan RE-ELECTED as PRESIDENT OF UAE

Yesterday the Federal Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates renewed its 'confidence vote' to its 2nd President. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the ruling Emir of Abu Dhabi, was reelected the country's Sovereign Head of state for a fourth time, an office which he occupies since his accession, 15 years ago. In UAE, the Presidency is an elective position, but despite an a-la-card election happens every five years, the post is occupied (& inherited) by Rulers of Abu Dhabi as far.

Sheikh Khalifa has ruled his emirate since 3 November 2004. He succeeded his father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan (a founding father of the young nation), who died the day before. He was elected by the Federal Council on his accession (Nov. 3) & has since been reelected (unlimited) every five years. As far, Khalifa has modernized the Federal National Council (which represents the people), with half of its members indirectly elected (& the other half still appointed by UAE rulers).

Official portrait

His Highness, along with Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (also the country's executive Prime Minister, elected a-la-card), are the most prominent of the seven UAE rulers, inherited monarchs (Emirs) of the country's emirates. Together they form the Federal Supreme Council, a constitutional organ of many authorities which, among others, (s)elect the President & approve the Prime Minister. This constitution has been implemented since Independence from Britain in 1971 & intends to be widely accepted.

Receiving respects by his brother, Crown Prince MBZ, 58.

Khalifa bin Zayed, 71, has held various governmental offices since his appointment as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in 1969. After the Independence, when his father became the nation's first President, Khalifa was elevated to the highest positions in the Armed Forces & energy investment authority, posts he retained. From the late 1990s when his father's health began to fail, he undertook the role of de facto President. He himself suffered a stroke in early 2014 (from which he had recovered), and has ever since withdrawn from public life, passing his responsibilities on his half-brother, Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, though officially remaining the legal Head of State (& even being reelected for more term/s).