UAE President’s mother passes away

Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the mother of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, passed away on Sunday, according to state new agency WAM.

In a brief statement, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs confirmed Sheikha Hessa’s passing on January 28.

The ministry declared a three-day official mourning period starting today. During this time UAE flags will be flown at half mast.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces said: “Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is mourning the death of Sheikha Hessa, who passed away today. May Allah rest her soul in peace.”

Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum offered his sincere condolences and sympathy in a Twitter statement following the announcement.

خالص العزاء والمواساة لرئيس الدولة صاحب السمو الشيخ خليفة بن زايد آل نهيان في وفاة والدته سمو الشيخة حصة بنت محمد آل نهيان. نسأل الله ان يتغمد الفقيدة بواسع رحمته ويسكنها فسيح جناته ويلهم عموم آل نهيان الكرام الصبر والسلوان .. وإنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) January 28, 2018

Statements also followed from his father, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other members of the UAE’s ruling families.

My deep condolences to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and all the people of the UAE, on our loss of his mother Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan. May she rest in peace.

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) January 28, 2018

#Haya_bint_Al_Hussein: Heartfelt condolences and sympathy to HH Sheikh #Khalifa_bin_Zayed Al Nahyan on the passing of his mother, HH Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, beloved and respected across the nation. May God rest Her soul.#wamnews

— WAM News / English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) January 28, 2018

Jordan’s Princess Haya bint Hussein also offered her condolences.

Heartfelt condolences and sympathy to HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the passing of his mother, HH Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, beloved and respected across the nation. May God rest Her soul.

— HRH Princess Haya (@hrhprincesshaya) January 28, 2018