His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, has paid tribute to his brother, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, following his death.

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince mourned the passing of his “mentor and teacher”.

“The UAE has lost its righteous son, the leader of the ’empowerment stage’ and the trustee of its blessed journey,” Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said in his tribute. “His stances, achievements, wisdom, giving, and initiatives are visible in every corner of the country.

“Khalifa bin Zayed.. my brother, my mentor, my teacher. May your soul rest in peace.”

UAE President’s passing

Sheikh Khalifa’s death was announced by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs. He was aged 73.

“The Ministry of Presidential Affairs condoles the people of the UAE, the Arab and Islamic nation and the world over the demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE,” the statement issued by WAM said.

Sheikh Khalifa, who was also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has been President of the UAE since 2004, following the passing of his father, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nayhan, the Father of the UAE.

UAE declares 40-day mourning period

The UAE has announced a 40-day mourning period following the death of President Sheikh Khalifa.

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs confirmed via the UAE’s state news agency, WAM, that the mourning period would begin today, Friday, May 13, 2022.

Work will be suspended for three days for all ministries, departments, federal and local institutions and the private sector employees starting today.

The UAE flag will also be flown at half-mast starting today for the full mourning period.

Sheikh Khalifa was born in 1948 and was the eldest son of the late Sheikh Zayed.

Motivate Media Group joins the nation in mourning the loss of a great leader.

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Images: Supplied, Feature Image: WAM