UAE declares 40-day mourning as president dies

President of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is dead.

The news of his death was reported on Friday.

“The Ministry of Presidential Affairs condoles the people of the UAE and the Islamic world… on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on Friday, May 13,” WAM said.

While reacting to the tragic news, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said the country has lost a righteous son and leader.

The ministry however declared 40 days of mourning with flags at half-mast from Friday, as works are suspended in the public and private sector for the first three days.

Recall that Sheikh Khalifa became the UAE’s second president in November 2004.

He succeeded his father as the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi.

With regard to the constitution, the vice president and premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, was to act as president until the federal council (the rulers of the seven emirates) meets within one month to elect a new president.