UAE: After Sheikh's Death, Rules of Succession Take Over

The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) first and only president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, died Nov 2. Hours before his death was announced, Zayed issued a decree to restructure the federal Cabinet, which now contains many of his relatives. The transition of power should be relatively smooth; Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the leader of Dubai — the second-largest emirate in the federation — will serve as acting president for 30 days. During that time, the UAE's supreme ruling council will elect the new president — most likely, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Zayed's eldest son and crown prince of Abu Dhabi.