The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022. It was announced by the state news agency WAM.
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs declared official national mourning that will continue for the next 40 days from Saturday. The national flag will fly at half-mast during this period.
“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,” according to WAM’s statement.
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs said there will be 40 days of official mourning and three days of closure of ministries and official entities at the federal and local levels, and the private sector.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the second president of the UAE and 16th ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, who served the country as the president of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi since November 3, 2004. He was elected to succeed his father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – who also served as the first president of the country since the union in 1971 until he passed away on November 2, 2004.
Born in 1948, Sheikh Khalifa started his official duties in 1966, and started ruling the country from November 3, 2004, to date. Since becoming the president of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa has played a major role in restructuring both the Federal Government and the government of Abu Dhabi.
Under his reign, the UAE has witnessed an accelerated development that made people draw towards this country for decent and safe living, complemented with world-class facilities and amenities. He also focused on the development of the oil and gas sector in order to contribute to the country’s economic diversification.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, expressed his grief and offered condolence. “It is with great sorrow and grief that we mourn to the UAE people, Arab and Islamic nations and the world the death of President of our country Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the leader of our journey,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.
