UAE Names Security Head of State

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- The United Arab Emirates has named the son of Abu Dhabi's powerful crown prince to a ministerial-level post at the head of the country's state security department.

The official WAM news agency announced the appointment by presidential decree of Maj. Gen. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as chairman of the intelligence agency on Monday.

His father is Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is expected to be the next president of the seven-state Emirates federation. The influential crown prince has taken a more public role in the country's leadership since his half-brother Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan suffered a stroke more than two years ago.

The statement offered no details about Sheikh Khalid's background. State media previously reported he married a distant relative in 2008.

(KA)