In Pics: UAE bids farewell to President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

CAIRO – 13 May 2022: The United Arab Emirates [UAE] bid a farewell to President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Friday.

Egypt has declared a three-day mourning period nationwide after the death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan starting from Friday.

 

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed died on Friday at the age of 73 after a long journey of illness. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi mourned the death of Sheikh Khalifa.

“I deeply mourn with sorrow the loss of one of the most precious men and greatest leaders, President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who passed away after a long journey of giving during which he offered a lot to his country and nation, until the UAE became a model for development & modernity in our region & the world,” said President Sisi in a statement.

 

President Sisi added that Sheikh Khalifa sincerely loved Egypt and was a loyal friend in all conditions and circumstances.

“On my behalf and on behalf of the people of Egypt, I offer the leadership and people of the UAE our sincere condolences for this great loss. I ask Allah Almighty to extend his mercy and forgiveness to the late UAE president and to maintain the UAE's progress and pride,” he added.

 

The UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs has mourned to the UAE people, Arab and Islamic nations and the world the death of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

It also announced a forty-day state mourning nationwide, while the flag flown at half-mast starting on Friday, WAM reported.

 

The Ministry also said work at all ministries, departments, and federal, local and private entities has been suspended for three days.

The UAE Crown Prince and the ruler of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan mourned the death of his half-brother, saying “To God We belong, and to Him is our return [according to Yusuf Ali’s translation of Holy Quran]. The Emirates lost its righteous son, the leader of the empowerment stage and the trustee of its blessed journey.”

 

“Khalifa bin Zayed, my brother, my mentor and my teacher. May Allah have mercy on you,” he added.