The Queen has paid her
condolences following the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al
Nahyan.
A statement released by
Buckingham Palace read: “I am saddened to hear of the death of His
Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab
Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.”
It continued: “Your
distinguished brother devoted his life to serving the people of the United Arab
Emirates and his relationship with its allies and friends.
“He will be long
remembered by all who work for regional stability, understanding between
nations and between faiths, and for the conservation cause.”
She signed off: “I offer
Your Highness my sincere condolences and I extend my sympathy to the people of
the United Arab Emirates. ELIZABETH R.”
The UAE’s state media WAM
confirmed the 73-year-old had “passed away to the Lord’s side” on
Friday morning.
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Queen Elizabeth II and His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2013
“The Ministry of
Presidential Affairs mourn the people of the UAE, the Arab and Islamic nations,
and the whole world. The leader of the nation and the patron of its march, His
Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, passed
away to the Lord’s side today, Friday, May 13,” WAM said.
“The Ministry of
Presidential Affairs announces an official mourning and flags to be flown at
half-mast for the late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God
have mercy on him, for a period of 40 days, starting today, and suspending work
in ministries, departments, federal and local institutions, and the private
sector for 3 days, starting today,” WAM later tweeted.
Born in 1948 Sheikh
Khalifa was the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed, the first president and
founder of the United Arab Emirates.
He had suffered a stroke and
had surgery in 2014, leaving him in a mostly ceremonial role in the years
following. His brother and Abu Dhabi’s crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed,
has been handling day-to-day affairs for the Gulf state ever since.
