The President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan has died of a stroke, in most countries this would mean a deputy stepping in, a bit of instability and at least an election, but not so much in the UAE.
Who was President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates?
One of the richest monarchs in the world, President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates was the Emir of Abu Dhabi, which due to the political system in the UAE also made him “President”. The United Arab Emirates is a federation of 7 absolute monarchies, who basically form the government of the UAE.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan was the Emir of Abu Dhabi, which made him president, as well as Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Unlike say Malaysia the head of state position is not shared around, but by convention is always the Emir of Abu Dhabi.
With the death of Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan now meaning his half-brother Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, is now in charge of state affairs.The al-Nahyan family is believed to have a fortune of $150bn (£123bn).
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan first became Emir of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE in 2004, before a stroke 10 years later left his brother and current ruler in de-facto charge.
He indulged in lots of building projects while in charge, had a skyscraper named after him and was named by forbes as the richest monarch in the world. Take that Queen Elizabeth.
What’s the UAE like to visit?
The United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi in particular are not exactly YPT destinations, instead being preferred by super rich footballers and the like. It does though have bars and restaurants and is more than OK for a stopover, which is useful for many a YPT trip.
To read about the top drinks in Syria click here.
You can though visit an exclave with and enclave, the famous doughnut which you can read about here.
It is also front and center for all of our tours to Socotra, which all depart from Abu Dhabi. You can read about Socotra here.
40 days of official mourning
The city state and country will now enter into 40 days of mourning which will probably have him lying in state, as well as a funeral attended by top heads of state from around the world. Maybe the UK will even lower is flag to half-mast again.
It sure must be nice to be a wealthy absolute ruler!
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