Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE, has issued a decree appointing Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, former deputy prime minister, as his representative in the Western Region. Sheikh Khalifa acted in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi in making the appointment. Sheikh Hamdan is also chairman of the UAE Red Crescent Authority as well as being the incumbent chairman of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and chairman of the UAE Foreign Aid Coordination Office. He had previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Top officials and citizens at the Western Region (Gharbia) welcomed his appointment according to WAM, the state news agency.. Mohammed Azan Al Mazrouie, the director general of the Gharbia Development Council, said: "We welcome this move as Sheikh Hamdan is a unique personality and leader of first class. He inherited the wisdom, humanitarian spirit and skills of the ruler from his late father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. "The appointment of Sheikh Hamdan will give the region's development a big boost as many achievements are expected to be realised at his hand," he added. A veteran pilot by practice, Sheikh Hamdan is also an ardent lover of safaris, falconry and marine sports. He owns the Aryam Stables which have won several cups at international horse racing championships.
* WAM
