President bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan Khalifa of United Arab Emirates

As ruler of the UAE's largest and wealthiest member, Sheikh Khalifa had been expected to get the top post.

Sheikh Khalifa said the UAE had always called on Iran to act on a flexible and realistic basis, to respect international law and obey Resolution 1737 to thwart the escalation of tension in the region.

for nearly 30 years, since he first became Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in 1969.

of Abu Dhabi and as Head of the Courts Department in Al Ain.

which later became the nucleus of the UAE Armed Forces.

Abu Dhabi Executive Council, which replaced the Emirate's Cabinet.

Sheikh Khalifa has held a number of other top posts in the Abu Dhabi Government.

depth of understanding reached amongst its leaders.