After Khalifa departs, Mohammed Bin Zayed takes full control in Abu Dhabi

After a long illness, President Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan died on 13 May. De facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed was swiftly elevated to the presidency the following day. MBZ’s succession was as smooth as it was expected, but also raises questions about how a military-minded leader, who is already one of the region’s most powerful figures, may use his power in the federation and abroad, and who he will appoint as crown prince.