UAE president names son Abu Dhabi crown prince, brothers to top leadership roles

 

The recent appointments made by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan include naming his eldest son, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, as the crown prince of Abu Dhabi. In addition, Sheikh Mansour, the president's brother and the owner of Manchester City Football Club, was appointed as the vice president alongside Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

These appointments further centralize power in Abu Dhabi, the wealthiest emirate in the UAE. It is also in line with a trend towards dynastic succession in Gulf Arab monarchies, where sons are increasingly being favored over brothers for top leadership positions.

The appointment of Sheikh Khaled as crown prince further centralises power in Abu Dhabi, the richest in the seven emirates, in addition to reflecting a growing tendency among the majority of Gulf Arab monarchies towards sons over brothers for succession, including in Saudi Arabia. Along with the recent appointment of Sheikh Mansour, the Emirati president also named his other brothers Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed – Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council – and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed – National Security Adviser – as deputy rulers of Abu Dhabi.

The recent appointments made by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reflect a growing trend in Gulf Arab monarchies towards sons over brothers for succession. In Saudi Arabia, for example, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is the son of King Salman and is widely expected to succeed him.

Overall, the UAE is known for its stability and prosperity, thanks in part to its political leadership and economic policies.