Dubai ruler appoints crown prince

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The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al-Maktoum, has issued a decree appointing his son, Sheikh Hamdan, as crown prince, state media have said.

The position has been vacant since Sheikh Mohammad succeeded his older brother as Dubai's ruler two years ago.

In a second decree, the ruler appointed a younger son, Sheikh Maktoum, and his older brother, Sheikh Hamdan, as his two deputies, the WAM agency reported.

Sheikh Mohammed is also vice-president and prime minister of the UAE.

The new crown prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, is head of the Executive Council of Dubai, which runs the emirate's political and financial affairs.

After completing his secondary education in Dubai, the 25-year-old moved to the UK, where he graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.