The world offers tributes to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Tributes poured in from across the world as regional and global leaders offered their condolences on the demise of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Read: UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan passes away

Sheikh Khalifa passed away on May 13, and was laid to rest on Friday evening at the Al Bateen Cemetery in Abu Dhabi. He was 73 years old.

A prolific and widely respected leader locally and internationally, Sheikh Khalifa was hailed as a great friend by some, a sublime statesman by others.

Read: UAE leaders mourn passing of President Sheikh Khalifa

GCC

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman mourned the late President.

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman grieved the late President, while the sultanate is observing a three-day mourning with flags flown at half-mast across public and private sector entities, from May 13-15.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain also mourned the demise, while the Royal Court announced that Bahrain will also observe a three-day mourning with flags flown at half-mast.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, too offered his condolences.

Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, and Deputy Amir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Sabah, mourned late President. An official state mourning was also declared with the flag flown at half-mast for a period of 40 days. Work was suspended across government departments and bodies for three days, starting Friday.

Global tributes

Joe Biden, US President, took to social media to hail the late President as a true partner.

Jill and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan. Sheikh Khalifa was a true partner and friend of the United States, and we will honour his memory by continuing to strengthen ties with the government and people of the UAE. pic.twitter.com/omGVQ7DzFd

— President Biden (@POTUS) May 13, 2022

US Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement: “I send our condolences on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Our thoughts are with his family and with the people of the United Arab Emirates as they mourn this loss. Under his leadership, the strong partnership between the United States and the UAE has enhanced the security and prosperity of the American and Emirati people, and we are grateful for our work together across multiple administrations. The legacy of this partnership can be found in the deep bonds between our countries, which our administration will continue to strengthen.”

In a message to Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UK‘s Queen Elizabeth II said, “I am saddened to hear of the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Your distinguished brother devoted his life to serving the people of the United Arab Emirates and his relationship with its allies and friends.”

“He will be long remembered by all who work for regional stability, understanding between nations and between faiths, and for the conservation cause.”

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Sheikh Khalifa was a wise and respected leader who will be missed enormously.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi. pic.twitter.com/mwHerhwEiG

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 13, 2022

Singapore’s President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have mourned the passing of Sheikh Khalifa.

President Yacob said in her letter, “As the second President of the UAE, His Highness built upon the strong foundations laid by His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to strengthen the unity of the UAE and enhance its development. Throughout his life, His Highness was dedicated to serving the people of the UAE and to bring prosperity to the country.”

The Indonesian President Joko Widodo tweeted: “It was with profound sadness that I learnt of the passing of President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed. He will forever be remembered as a great leader that solidified the prosperity of UAE.”

Offering his commiserations, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif said that his country has lost a great friend.

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

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, too expressed his grief.

I am deeply saddened to know about the passing away of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. He was a great statesman and visionary leader under whom India-UAE relations prospered. The heartfelt condolences of the people of India are with the people of UAE. May his soul rest in peace.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 13, 2022

Palestine‘s President Mahmoud Abbas offered his condolences to the UAE and declared Saturday, May 14, as a day of mourning across Palestine with flags flown at half-mast.

Jordan‘s Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh added that the Arab nation has lost a leader who devoted his life to serve his nation’s interests. Flags will be flown at half-mast in the kingdom for three days, starting from Friday, May 13.

King of Morocco Mohammed VI ordered an official three-day mourning in the kingdom. “The national flag is being lowered to half-mast on government buildings, administrations and public places, as well as Moroccan embassies and consulates abroad,” the Moroccan Royal Cabinet said in a statement.

Egypt declared on Friday three days of mourning over the passing of Sheikh Khalifa.

President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro also announced an official mourning throughout Brazil, for a period of three days, starting May 13.

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