Dubai: Condolences from Emiratis across the country poured in following the demise of Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Saturday.
Shaikh Rashid, who died of a heart attack at the age of 34, was born on November 12, 1981, and was the eldest son of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Shaikh Rashid studied at Rashid School for Boys and then attended Sandhurst Military Academy in the United Kingdom from where he graduated in 2002.
In January 2008, Shaikh Rashid was appointed President of the UAE Olympic Committee.
“Our prayers go out to Shaikh Mohammad and his family, may God be with them in this difficult time,” said Emirati Amal Shahdad from Kalba who works at Sharjah University Hospital.
Amal said that his passing at the age of 34 is a loss for all of the UAE.
“The UAE has been going through a rough time, first with the loss of the 52 soldiers and now with the passing of a young shaikh. He was known to be a sports enthusiast and was truly loved by all the people of the UAE. It feels like we have lost our son,” she said.
Rashid Bin Mohammad: Life in pictures (Click below)
Emirati housewife Fatima Al Qaseer, from Dubai, also said it is a big loss for the people of the UAE.
“May his soul rest in peace. It is truly a big loss for the whole country. He was the son of a great leader and our heart goes out to Dubai’s ruling family.”
Ahmad Mohammad, from Sharjah who works in the tourism sector, also expressed his condolences. “I was shocked when I heard the news because he was too young. The news of his loss is truly sad. All of the UAE is in mourning. We pray that God will rest his soul in peace and take him to a better place,” he said.
Student Suhail Mohammad from Ras Al Khaimah also said his prayers go out to the Shaikh Rashid’s family.
“May God give his family and the people of the UAE the strength to cope with his loss. It has been a difficult time for my people, especially because the news shortly follows the news of the death of our 52 soldiers. May God rest all their souls in peace,” he said.
A three-day mourning period has been declared and UAE flags will fly at half mast during the mourning period.
