DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, appointed his eldest son Khaled as crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, putting him as subsequent in line to take over because the chief of the federation.

After Sheikh Mohammed, who is usually referred to as MBZ, ascended to the presidency final yr, rumors swirled about whether or not he would make one in every of his brothers his inheritor, as has been custom.

In that case, the front-runners would have been Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, the highly effective nationwide safety chief, Sheikh Mansour, the proprietor of the Manchester Metropolis membership, or the international minister, Sheikh Abdullah.

The state-run WAM information company introduced the appointment of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as crown prince late Wednesday, with out offering additional particulars.

Sheikh Khaled was appointed chairman of the nation’s intelligence company in 2016.

The United Arab Emirates, an in depth U.S. ally, is finest referred to as the house of Dubai, a serious worldwide hub for enterprise and journey.