UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed passes away
- The UAE government has declared three public holidays and 40 days of mourning.
- Khalifa, who was born in 1948, became the UAE’s second President in 2004.
- His half-brother Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is anticipated to succeed him as ruler of Abu Dhabi.
According to state news agency WAM, Dubai: United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan died on Friday.
“The Ministry of Presidential Affairs expresses its condolences to the people of the UAE, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the globe on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE,” a Wam statement said.
Following his death, the UAE government declared three days of public mourning and 40 days of national mourning.
Sheikh Khalifa was born in 1948 to the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed, and began his formal responsibilities in 1966. He has ruled the country since November 3, 2004.
Sheikh Khalifa was the second president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the sixteenth ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the UAE’s seven emirates.
Sheikh Khalifa, full name Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout bin Theyab bin Issa bin Nahyan bin Falah bin Yas, was Sheikh Zayed’s eldest son.
Sheikh Khalifa is married to Her Sheikha Shamsa bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, and the couple has eight children: two boys and six daughters, plus countless grandkids.
Sheikh Khalifa started an attempt to change the nomination system for members of the Federal National Council after his father’s death and his ascension to President of the UAE’s office, which was considered a first step toward the introduction of direct elections in the UAE.
Sheikh Khalifa was an excellent listener, humble, personable, and concerned about his people, regularly engaging in direct outreach through official missions and other events. As a result, he was much admired and beloved.
The former President had various interests, including fishing and falconry, which he learned to appreciate from his father, the late Sheikh Zayed.
Condolences pour in
In reaction, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated he was profoundly saddened to learn about Sheikh Khalifa’s death.
“The UAE has lost a visionary leader, and Pakistan has lost a wonderful friend,” stated the prime minister.
Deeply grieved to hear about the passing of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of UAE. UAE has lost a visionary leader & Pakistan a great friend. We send our heartfelt condolences & sympathies to the government & people of the UAE. May Allah rest his soul in peace!
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 13, 2022
“We extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to the UAE government and people. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest!” He continued.
#COAS & all ranks of Pak Army express heartfelt condolence on the sad demise of President of UAE,HH, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. “Pak has lost a great friend. May Allah Almighty bless his soul & give strength to bereaved family 2 bear this irreparable loss, Ameen” COAS.
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) May 13, 2022
General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff, and all levels of the Pakistan Army extended their deepest condolences on the tragic death of the UAE president.
“Pakistan has lost a wonderful buddy.” “May Allah Almighty bless his soul and grant the grieving family courage to endure this irreparable loss, Ameen,” the COAS concluded.
Speaker @RPAPPP has expressed deep sorrow & grief over sad demise of President of #UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest departed soul in eternal peace& grant courage to bereaved family & people of UAE to bear irreparable loss with fortitude. pic.twitter.com/7ElObqPQbR— National Assembly of Pakistan🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) May 13, 2022
Raja Pervez Ashraf, Speaker of the National Assembly, expressed heartfelt sadness and grief on the President’s untimely death.
The people of Pakistan mourn his loss, and share in the grief of our Emirati brothers and sisters
2/2— Aseefa B Zardari (@AseefaBZ) May 13, 2022
The people of Pakistan grieve his death and join our Emirati brothers and sisters’ grief.