Dubai: United Arab Emirates President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan passed away on Friday, May 13, at the age of 73, as announced by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.
Sheikh Khalifa, the first son and the successor of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has served as the country's president since November 3, 2004, one day following his father's death.
Sheikh Khalifa, born in 1948, was the second president of the UAE since the country's union on December 2, 1971. He was also the 16th ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The UAE has declared a 40-day mourning period, and all flags will be flown at half-mast during that period.
Starting May 13, all official entities and the private sector will suspend operations for three days.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, shared a message online mourning his brother. He wrote, "We belong to God, 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."
He added, "His stances, achievements, wisdom, giving, and initiatives are in every corner of the country. Khalifa bin Zayed, my brother, mentor, and teacher, may God have mercy on you with his vast mercy."
Regional and global leaders and officials have offered their condolences as well.
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdelfattah Elsisi, has offered his condolences online. He said, "With sincere sadness and sorrow, I mourn one of the most precious men and one the greatest leaders, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who passed away after a long journey of giving."
Residents of the UAE and people from all over the region have expressed their sadness about the passing of Sheikh Khalifa across all social media platforms.
Image: Arab News
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