The UAE mourned yesterday the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the country, who died at the age of 74 after a fruitful journey of giving and accomplishments over 18 years.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, and other members of the Al Nahyan family performed the funeral prayer for the deceased at Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed the First Mosque in Abu Dhabi shortly after the Maghrib prayer yesterday, while the funeral prayer for the absent was held in all mosques across the country, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and several other sheikhs accompanied the deceased to his final resting place in Al Bateen cemetery in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced yesterday the official mourning for the people of the UAE, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the world, mourning the nation's leader and guardian of its journey, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They declared a 40-day mourning period, beginning yesterday, along with lowering flags, and suspending work in ministries, departments, federal, local institutions, and the private sector for three days starting from yesterday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, mourned the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, expressing deep sorrow and acknowledging the bittersweet fate from God. He stated that Sheikh Khalifa was a caretaker of the nation, who served his people with love and loyalty.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasized that Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan gave to his country without limits and made the welfare of his citizens his utmost concern. For over fifty years, from his position as Deputy Supreme Commander to Supreme Commander, he oversaw the building of the armed forces and enhancing their capabilities, establishing security and safety and providing comprehensive protection for the union's journey.
He added, "I knew him before our state was established and worked alongside the founding sheikhs, Zayed and Rashid, may God have mercy on them. When he took the leadership responsibility in the country, he launched empowerment programs and promoted development, continuing the human development journey and establishing a global Emirati model in development."
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said that the UAE lost its beloved son and the leader of the "Empowerment Phase," emphasizing the positions, achievements, wisdom, and contributions of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed in every corner of the nation.
- Arab Leaders: We Lost a Brother and a Leader
Condolences poured in to the UAE and its leaders from leaders and high-ranking officials across Gulf, Arab, Islamic, and world nations.
Condolences came from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey.
The kings and leaders expressed their heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to the family of the deceased and the people of the UAE for the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed after a life full of contributions and achievements in the service of his people and Arab and Islamic nations.
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq stated, "He was one of the Arab leaders who served their Arab and Islamic nation and led the UAE with determination and perseverance until it became a benchmark in all fields."
Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, remarked, "The Arab and Islamic nations have lost one of their great leaders who dedicated his life to serving his country and people, defending Arab and Islamic issues."
King Mohammed VI of Morocco expressed great appreciation for the major achievements of the deceased, continuing the work of his late father, Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, ensuring its modernization and development in economic and political capacities that placed it in a significant position locally, regionally, and internationally, qualifying it to play an active role in supporting just Arab causes and strengthening bridges of Arab and Islamic solidarity.
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad noted that the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed was a great leader distinguished by wisdom and moderation, dedicating his life and effort to serving his country and nation. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated, "He was a man of great value and one of the greatest leaders who passed away after a long journey of giving, in which he did much for his country and nation, making the UAE a model of development and modernity in our region and the world." He added, "Sheikh Khalifa was genuinely fond of Egypt and a faithful friend under all circumstances."
King Abdullah II of Jordan expressed that "we have lost a dear brother and an exceptional leader who inherited wisdom from his late father, Sheikh Zayed, and dedicated his life to serving his country and the Arab and Islamic nations."
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad extended his condolences "on behalf of himself and the Syrian Arab people to the leaders of the UAE and its people."
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf, also expressed his condolences to the ruling family in the UAE and to the government and people on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State. Dr. Al-Hajraf stated that Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed passed away "after a life dedicated to serving his people, country, and the Arab and Islamic nation," recalling the late leader's significant role and contributions in supporting and consolidating the GCC's journey. He added: "With his departure, we have lost a leader and a Gulf, Arab, and international pioneer."
Dr. Al-Hajraf pointed out that the council lost one of its leaders, who made significant contributions and positions to support cooperation among its states to become this entity firmly representing the depth of the strong fraternal relations that have joined the peoples of the council states throughout history. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also mourned Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, with its Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha stating that Sheikh Khalifa was one of the most prominent wise leaders in the world.
- International Leaders
US President Joe Biden extended his condolences on the passing of the UAE president, stating that he offers condolences on behalf of the American people to Sheikh Khalifa's family and all Emiratis in their sorrow over this devastating loss. He added that the late leader was a "true partner and friend to the United States" and stated: "We will honor his memory by continuing to strengthen relations between our governments and peoples."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson mourned Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, describing him as a wise leader respected by all and stating, "We will miss him greatly. During his reign, he contributed to bringing more stability and neutrality to the region, and all of this will remain etched in memory for a long time. We will continue our cooperation and friendship with the UAE to affirm peace and justice in the world together."
Yesterday, Russia expressed its condolences on the passing of the UAE president, appreciating his role in developing relations between the two countries. Mikhail Bogdanov, the special envoy of the Russian president for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister, stated: "We express our condolences to our friends in the UAE. This is a great loss for the UAE people. We have very good relations with this country, and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's role has always been of great importance."
Furthermore, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that he would visit the UAE to pay his respects following the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressing his condolences and stating: "I received with great sadness and sorrow the news of the death of the President of the UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, my dear brother Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. I pray for his mercy and extend my heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people of the UAE."
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also sent a condolence message to the family of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and to the government and people of the UAE, expressing deep regret at his passing. In his condolence message, Herzog stated that the late Sheikh Khalifa was a courageous leader who contributed much to the development of the UAE and its people, as well as to the entire Middle East, furthering the partnership that has developed in recent years between the UAE and Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett extended his sincere condolences on behalf of the Israeli government and people to the UAE government and its people following the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said, "Mr. Bennett also offers his heartfelt condolences to his friend Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed." It added: "The legacy of the late Sheikh Khalifa and his great contributions are highly valued in Israel," underscoring that Israel stands with the UAE in these difficult times.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed that he was "saddened" by Sheikh Khalifa's passing, describing him as a "great statesman and visionary leader, under whose rule India-UAE relations flourished." Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif tweeted that he was "deeply saddened" to hear the news of Sheikh Khalifa's death, affirming that the UAE "lost a visionary leader and Pakistan lost a great friend."
