Who is Sheikh Khalid?UAE’s new jiu-jitsu-loving crown prince | World News

The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has named his eldest son Sheikh Khalid as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. With this, Sheikh Khalid became the next leader of the Gulf monarchy, cementing his family’s power in the oil-rich country. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has chosen his son for the post traditionally held by the leader-designate.

read more: At least 31 killed in fire on Philippine passenger ferry

Here are the highlights from Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid:

1. Sheikh Khalid was born in Abu Dhabi on January 8, 1982, the eldest son of the President of the United Arab Emirates.
2. According to Gulf News, he graduated from the American University of Sharjah and subsequently obtained a doctorate from the Department of War Studies at King’s College London in 2014. He likes jujitsu.
3. Sheikh Khaled was previously a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office.
4. He sits on the board of state-owned oil giant ADNOC.
5. Sheikh Khalid’s appointment was welcomed by other Gulf rulers including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, AFP reported.
6. According to Bloomberg, the selection of Sheikh Khalid as crown prince is part of a larger trend among Gulf monarchies in which direct blood is more suitable for succession.
7. In Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came to power bypassing more senior members of the ruling family.