Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's long-time de facto ruler, was chosen president on Saturday, official media said, a day after former leader Sheikh Khalifa died.

The Federal Supreme Council elected Sheikh Mohamed as ruler of the oil-rich kingdom founded by his father in 1971, according to state news agency.

Sheikh Mohamed, also known as 'MBZ,' met with members of the Federal Supreme Council, which is made up of the rulers of the UAE's seven emirates, as the oil-rich nation mourns the death of his half-brother Sheikh Khalifa. His ascent, which was widely expected, solidifies his position as ruler of the ten-million-strong desert kingdom after years of running the show while Sheikh Khalifa was ill.

The United Arab Emirates has launched a man in space, sent a rover to Mars, and built its first nuclear reactor under his low-key leadership, all while utilising its oil-funded clout to establish a more assertive foreign policy.
It has emerged as a leader of a reconfigured Middle East, developing connections with Israel and joining a battle against Iran-backed terrorists in Yemen, thanks to the withdrawal of conventional powers and the decreased involvement of the United States.

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