The United Arab Emirates President and the Emir of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan dies at the age of 73. Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced a 40 day mourning period and flag will be flown at half-mast.
The UAE President and the Emir of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan dies on friday (May 13) at the age of 73. He suffered a stroke in 2014 and since then he had lesser public appearance.
The Ministry of Presidential affairs announced a 40 day mourning period and flag will be flown at half-mast. Federal departments, ministries, local institutions and private sectors will not work for three days.
As per the Constitution, Vice President and Premier, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al-Maktoum — the ruler of Dubai, will act as President until the federal council elects a new President within 30 days.
Who was Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan?
He was born in 1948 in Abu Dhabi and completed his graduation from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He got married to his Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Suhail Al Mazrouei and they have eight children together.
He succeeded his father Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as the 16th Emir of Abu Dhabi on November 2, 2004 and the presidency of the UAE the following day.
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the supreme commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces between 2004 and 2022. He was also the chairman of the Supreme Petroleum Council from the 1980s.
To honour him, the world’s tallest building Burj Dubai was renamed Burj Khalifa as he freed a debt-laden Dubai, following the 2009 economic crisis. He was ranked as the fourth wealthiest monarch.
He served as the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Emir of Abu Dhabi from 2004 onwards.
Leaders mourned on the death of Sheikh Khalifa
International leaders, politicians and celebrities expressed their condolences on his death. India’s Prime minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries paid tribute to him.
“I am deeply saddened to know about the passing away of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. He was a great statesman and visonary leader under whom India-UAE relations prospered. The heartfelt condolences of the people of India are with the people of UAE. May his soul rest in peace,” Prime minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
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