The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan has died according to reports made by WAM, the Emirati state news agency. Sheikh Khalifa, who ascended to the presidential seat in 2004, held the position until his role was restructured into a mostly conventional one in 2014 following a stroke and other health issues. It was a position he held until his death on Friday of natural causes at 73 years of age. Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Sheikh Khalifa’s half-brother is now in charge of state liaisons according to reports.
At his death, the president was one of the most affluent rulers in the world with the al-Nahyan family believed to be worth an estimate of over 150 billion dollars. In addition to his role as the head of the United Arab Emirates, he was also in charge of Abu Dhabi, the infamously oil-rich capital of the Emirates. The ministry of presidential affairs has declared 40 days of mourning and a general work suspension of three days as a sign of respect for the Sheikh’s passing.
Together with Mohammed bin Zayed, the vice-president, Shiekh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum will act as interim rulers until the federal council made of the rulers of the seven emirates meet in 30 days to appoint the would be current president.
