UAE Leader Appoints Son as Crown Prince and Brothers to Top Roles

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has appointed his son, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as crown prince of Abu Dhabi, breaking from the tradition of passing leadership succession to another brother. He also elevated his brothers to top positions, consolidating power in Abu Dhabi and reaffirming the Al Nayhan rule. The move is seen as a jump towards the next generation and formalizes the leverage Abu Dhabi has over Dubai, but some observers disagree that it shifts power away from Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.