May 13, (THEWILL) – United Arab Emirates President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, has died at age 73, state news agency, Wam, announced on Friday afternoon.
The UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs said there will be 40 days of official mourning with flags at half mast, and three days closure of ministries and official entities at the federal and local levels and the private sector.
The Ministry in a statement on Friday afternoon, expressed its condolences to the people of the UAE, Arab and Islamic nations and the world on the death of the leader of the nation.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also expressed his deep sadness at the news.
“It is with great sorrow and grief that we mourn with the UAE people, Arab and Islamic nations and the world, the death of President of our country Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the leader of our journey.
“May Allah bless his soul with ease on his new journey into the hereafter and grant him the highest ranks of Paradise.
“Oh God, we testify that Khalifa bin Zayed has fulfilled his duty, served, and loved his people. Oh God, his people have been satisfied with him, so be pleased with him and grant him your mercy and the highest ranks of Paradise.
“Grant us, his people, his family and his loved ones patience and solace. To God we belong and to Him we shall return”, Sheikh Mohammed wrote.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also shared a message online remembering the UAE President.
“To God we belong and to Him we shall return. The UAE lost its righteous son, the leader of the “empowerment stage” and the trustee of its blessed journey.
“His stances, achievements, wisdom, giving and initiatives are in every corner of the country.
“Khalifa bin Zayed, my brother, my mentor and my teacher, may God have mercy on you with his vast mercy and grant you his satisfaction and paradise”, he wrote.
Leaders from the region and around the world have offered their condolences.
Sheikh Khalifa, was the Gulf country’s second president, serving since 2004. He is credited with helping to bring the UAE, a small desert sheikhdom of seven emirates, to global prominence and leading the country through turbulent times during the 2008 financial crisis.
About the Author
