Abu Dhabi: The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh bin Zayed Al-Nahyan died at the age of 73 on Friday after battling illness for many years.
The President of oil-rich Gulf state, who was hardly seen publically, is likely to be replaced by his brother, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, who was already seen as the UAE’s de facto ruler.
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs declared that there would be 40 days of official mourning to the United Arab Emirates people, Arab and Islamic nations and the world for the sudden death of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan,” as per reports.
Sheikh Khalifa took over as the UAE second president in November 2004, following his father as the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi, the wealthiest of the federation’s seven emirates.
He has hardly been seen in public after 2014, when he had his surgery amid a stroke, although he has perused to issue rulings. The reason of death was not immediately released.
People of all Arab nations are in a dilemma and have given their condolences to his family and friends.
Pakistani film director, Mubasher Lucman, tweeted, “Heartfelt condolence on the sad demise of President of UAE, HH, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. “Pakistan has lost a great friend.”
Heartfelt condolence on the sad demise of President of UAE , HH, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan . “Pakistan has lost a great friend.
— Mubasher Lucman (@mubasherlucman) May 13, 2022
Govindan Master is a Central Committee member of CPI(M) and a important political leader from Kerala, “the UAE President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, passed away. The leader who led the UAE to a new era is lost. He kept close links with Kerala and aided in the Kerala flood relief efforts. We share the Arab world’s grief. Condolences.”
The UAE President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, passed away. The leader who led the UAE to a new era is lost. He kept close links with Kerala and aided in the Kerala flood relief efforts. We share the Arab world's grief. Condolences pic.twitter.com/OHnRsPxfys
— MV Govindan Master (@GovindanMaster) May 13, 2022
Sonali Jaitley Bakshi, advocate and daughter of Arun Jaitley, stated on Twitter, Saddened to hear of the passing of # UAE’s president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. He served his nation well for almost 18 years, during which time the UAE-India friendship also attained new heights! My condolences to the family & the people of UAE.”
Saddened to hear of the passing of #UAE's president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
He served his nation well for almost 18 years, during which time the UAE-India friendship also attained new heights!
My condolences to the family, & the people of UAE. pic.twitter.com/SxeuuCHZGp
— Sonali Jaitley Bakhshi (@sonalijaitley) May 13, 2022
Rahul Gandhi also tweeted and gave his condolences to his family; my heartfelt condolences to the family of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and to the people of the United Arab Emirates. He will be fondly remembered as a visionary leader who brought rapid development to the UAE.”
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and to the people of United Arab Emirates.
He will be fondly remembered as a visionary leader who brought rapid development to the UAE. pic.twitter.com/s21rLyzUEE
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 13, 2022