THE official announcement of Sheikh bin Zayed’s election to the UAE presidency followed a meeting in Abu Dhabi of the rulers of the Emirates. He becomes the third president in the UAE's history, following the death of Sheikh Khalifa on Friday.

It was reported that the decision was made by the Federal Supreme Council, which comprises the rulers of which comprises the rulers of the seven emirates.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, “expressed his appreciation for the dear trust” that the leaders, the Federal Supreme Council, showed in him.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, offered his congratulations.

“Today, the Federal Supreme Council elected my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as President of the State,” he wrote on Twitter. “We congratulate him and we pledge allegiance to him, and our people pledge allegiance to him.”

Sheikh Dr Sultan, Ruler of Sharjah, said: “As he has witnessed the UAE's renaissance from a young age, accompanied by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Founding Leaders, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has significantly contributed to UAE's development and achievements due to his wise vision, constant support and direct guidance.

“We congratulate President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and ask Allah Almighty to grant him success and prosperity.

“We affirm our permanent solidarity in serving the nation and preserving its union under his wise leadership.”

A statement by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs said that, according to Article 51 of the Constitution, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was elected unanimously.

On Saturday, Sheikh Mohamed is receiving condolences over the death of his brother Sheikh Khalifa from the rulers and senior Emirati officials.

Foreign diplomats and leaders are expected to visit to pay their respects and meet the new president in the coming days.

Dr Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to the President, said: “The smooth transition of power in the UAE reflects the strength of institutional work and the advanced standards of governance and stability.

“We thank God for the blessing of the UAE and pledge allegiance to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. May God protect him as President and leader.”

ALLEGIANCE

The rulers of the emirates, sheikhs and ministers have offered their congratulations and loyalty to new president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, said Sheikh Mohamed has significantly contributed to the UAE's development and achievements by his vision, constant support and direct guidance.

“We congratulate President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and ask Allah Almighty to grant him success and prosperity,” Sheikh Dr Sultan said.

“We affirm our permanent solidarity in serving the nation and preserving its union under his wise leadership.”

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, welcomed the election of Sheikh Mohamed as President and the continuity it will bring to the UAE.

“The election of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan assures the continuation of the country's path as it advances politically, economically, socially and culturally,” Sheikh Humaid said.

“I congratulate His Highness and wish him continued success, and the people of the UAE progress and prosperity under his wise leadership.”

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, said: “His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is a generous and loving leader. He is the protector of our country, a partner and a brother to all the people of the Emirates.

 “Today, this election comes as a continuation of the country's development path and the consolidation of prestige that the UAE assumed during the era of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, and the rule of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“I congratulate His Highness and wish him great success, and reaffirm the absolute trust of the UAE's people in his leadership.”

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, said: Sheikh Mohamed's election represents a continuation of the legacy started by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed and the Founding Leaders.

Sheikh Saud praised the vision of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and his “tremendous efforts and unlimited support in what the UAE has achieved at the local, regional and global levels”.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said: “At this historical stage of our story, we affirm our support to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and we pledge to work under his wise leadership to achieve more progress and prosperity, and lead the country towards a bright future that meets the aspirations of its people.”

KUWAITI MESSAGE

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah congratulated the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al-Maktoum on the election of Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan as UAE president.

His Highness the Amir wished the new UAE president and the country well.

MUSCAT REACTS

HM the Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik offered his condolences to Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), shaikhs, Al Nahyan family and the Emirati people.

The Sultan expressed his heartfelt sympathies while the UAE President expressed his utmost thanks and appreciation for His Majesty’s sincere condolences and prayers.

Earlier, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik sent a cable of congratulations to Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan on the occasion of his election to the presidency.

The Sultan expressed his heartfelt sentiments and best wishes of good health and well-being to Shaikh Mohammed. His Majesty prayed to the Almighty Allah to grant Shaikh Mohammed success in leading the UAE people towards further progress and prosperity.

KUWAIT DEPUTY AMIR OFFERS CONDOLENCES

HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in a phone call on Saturday expressed his condolences to UAE Vice President and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum over the passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

He also conveyed condolences of HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Kuwaiti government and people to the family of the late president and to the brotherly Emirati people.

He prayed for mercy and forgiveness over the soul of the deceased.

KUWAIT AMIR'S ENVOY OFFERS CONDOLENCES

Representing HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and his accompanying delegation, on Saturday offered condolence to UAE President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Al Nahyan family sheikhs over the demise of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

MIKATI FOR UAE

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati left Beirut for the United Arab Emirates to offer his condolences over the passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.  The Lebanese delegation to the UAE includes: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib and Lebanese Ambassador to the UAE Fouad Dandan.