UAE leader makes public appearance after long absence

By Ahmed al-Masri

DOHA, Qatar 

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has made one of his first public appearances since suffering a stroke in 2014.

The UAE president received congratulations on Sunday -- the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday -- from various Emirati deputy rulers and crown princes, the UAE’s official WAM news agency reported.

The news agency published several photos and videos of Sheikh Khalifa as he received well-wishers at Abu Dhabi’s Al-Bateen Palace in the presence of UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

Since suffering a stroke in early 2014, Sheikh Khalifa has made few public appearances, largely avoiding state functions and activities.

During this period, he took at least three trips abroad, most recently in March. No photos were published of his departure or return, fueling speculation that he was in poor health.

Sheikh Khalifa, 69, who also serves as ruler of Abu Dhabi, is the eldest son of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan.

He was elected the country’s president by the UAE’s Supreme Council of the Union in 2004.