Following the announcement of the death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Lebanese politicians began sending condolences to the leadership and people of the UAE. President Michel Aoun sent a message of condolences to UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressing sorrow over the passing of Sheikh Khalifa.
Aoun described Sheikh Khalifa's departure as a loss for the UAE, citing him as one of the key figures in its modernization and development, inspired by the vision of his father, the founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He noted that Sheikh Khalifa stood for Arab causes and was a steadfast defender of the region's interests in international forums. Aoun emphasized that Lebanon lost a true brother, cherished by the Lebanese people who reciprocated his affection and loyalty.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued a memo declaring "official mourning for the Arab and Islamic world's great loss, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan," stating that flags would be flown at half-mast for three days from May 13 to May 15, 2022. He urged media institutions to adjust their regular programming to reflect this somber occasion.
Mikati tweeted that Lebanon and the Arab world had lost a leader who was a product of the good lineage of Sheikh Zayed and a champion for Arab issues, especially in his support for Lebanon.
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri expressed his condolences via Twitter, mourning the loss of a great man in the Arab world and praising Sheikh Khalifa's leadership, which continued the legacy of Sheikh Zayed.
Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi sent out a tweet mourning the loss and asking God to grant mercy to Sheikh Khalifa and comfort the UAE people.
Samir Geagea, head of the Lebanese Forces party, expressed heartfelt condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and the people of the UAE. He acknowledged Sheikh Khalifa's significant contributions to development that benefitted not only Emiratis but also the Arab world and particularly the Lebanese.
Other politicians, including Deputy Fares Heikal and Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, also extended their condolences and recognized Sheikh Khalifa's impactful legacy in promoting development, humanitarian efforts, and his role in fostering harmony and peace.
The Future Movement issued a statement marking this day as a sad chapter in Arab history and honoring Sheikh Khalifa for his significant contributions to the UAE and his unwavering support for Lebanon.
Tawfiq Dabbousi, president of the Tripoli Chamber of Commerce, praised Sheikh Khalifa for his pioneering leadership and the strong bond between Lebanon and the UAE, recalling the UAE’s substantial support for development projects, including the integrated economic project in Greater Tripoli.
In conclusion, many Lebanese expressed their sorrow and continued admiration for Sheikh Khalifa's legacy of leadership and contributions to both the UAE and Lebanon.
