United Arab Emirates (UAE) Deputy President Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashed al-Maktoum, who is also ruler of Dubai, has taken over the reins during the transition following the death on Tuesday of President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan.
Under the UAE Constitution, Maktoum, who is also prime minister, will ”exercise all the prerogatives” of the head of state until the Supreme Federal Council grouping the rulers of the seven emirates making up the Gulf federation — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah and Um al-Qaiwain — selects Zayed’s successor.
The successor must be chosen from among the seven rulers within a month for a five-year mandate.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, eldest son of the deceased president, has automatically succeeded his father as ruler of Abu Dhabi, the biggest and wealthiest emirate of the oil-rich federation.
Abu Dhabi Deputy Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed al-Nahayan now becomes crown prince.
Zayed, who was 86 and ruled the federation since its birth in 1971, is expected to be buried on Wednesday, according to Muslim tradition, which holds that a quick burial is the best way of honouring the dead.
Zayed had his share of health problems over the past few years, undergoing neck surgery in 1996 and a kidney transplant four years later.
In August 1966, he was proclaimed ruler of what became the wealthiest emirate of the federation. His first five-year mandate was systematically renewed since, and when he died he left a country that is one of the world’s richest.
A keen falconer, Zayed fathered 19 sons and several daughters from four wives.
As ruler of the major UAE member, Khalifa will presumably succeed his father as president.
Mbeki expresses condolences
Meanwhile, President Thabo Mbeki learnt with shock and sadness of the untimely death on Tuesday of the president of the UAE, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
On the behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, Mbeki expressed the country’s ”deepest condolences to members of the bereaved family, government and peoples of the United Arab Emirates during these trying moments”.
Mbeki said: ”Please be assured that our thoughts and prayers reach out to the entire government and peoples of the UAE, and in particular the family of the late president Sheik Zayed.” — Sapa-AFP, Sapa