World leaders mourn passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa

The UAE announced death of Sheikh Khalifa on Friday. The Ministry of Presidential Affairs has declared official mourning for His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for 40 days from today (Friday). Ministries, departments, federal and local institutions and private sector institutions will remain closed for three days from today.

Saudi Arabia

King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, and Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, have mourned late President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who passed away on Friday, 13th May, 2022.

In a statement issued by the Saudi Royal Court and carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), King Salman and Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed their heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership, government and people on this great loss, and prayed to Allah Almighty to grant Sheikh Khalifa eternal peace and his family and the UAE people patience and solace.

US  

President Joe Biden paid tribute to Sheikh Khalifa, saying he "was a true partner and friend of the United States."

"We will honor his memory by continuing to strengthen the longstanding ties between the governments and people of the United States and the United Arab Emirates," Biden said.

The United States embassy expresses its deep condolences on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa.

"The United States expresses its deep condolences to the UAE’s President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed’s family and the people of the UAE. He was a true friend of the United States," the US Embassy and Consulate in the United Arab Emirates said in a post on his official page on social media.

UK

The UK's Queen Elizabeth II has expressed her sadness on the death of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In a message to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Queen Elizabeth 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. I offer Your Highness my sincere condolences and I extend my sympathy to the people of the United Arab Emirates,” the statement said.

GCC

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) mourned the death of Sheikh Khalifa. GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al Hajraf offered the Council's condolences to the UAE ruling family, government and people.

He said that Sheikh Khalifa had dedicated his life to serving his people, country and Arab and Islamic nation.

He also recalled his role in supporting the GCC, "which has become a constant entity that respects the depth of fraternal relations that have bound the people of the Gulf throughout history."

"We have lost a Gulf, Arab and international leader and pioneer," he declared.

Kuwait

Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah ordered a 40-day mourning and flags flown at half-mast while government departments would cease working for three days as of Friday following passing away of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.

Sheikh Nawaf instructed the period of mourning in solidarity and sympathy with the UAE and its people in the wake of the death of Sheikh Khalifa, whom he described as "a great leader" who dedicated his life for service of his people, and defending Arab and Islamic causes.

Qatar

Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani mourned Sheikh Khalifa in a statement issued by the Amiri Court. He said the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was a great leader characterized by wisdom and moderation.

“We have lost with his passing a great leader who was wise and moderate, who devoted his life and effort to serve his country and nation,” the statement reads.

Amir ordered the declaration of mourning in the country for a period of three days and the flags at half-staff.

Jordan

King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan mourned the late President. In a tweet on his official Twitter account, carried by the Jordan News Agency (Petra), the King of Jordan expressed his heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership and people on this sad news, and prayed to Allah Almighty to grant him eternal peace.

Bahrain 

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain has mourned the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In a statement issued by the Royal Court and carried by the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the King of Bahrain expressed his heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership and people on this sad news, and prayed to Allah Almighty to rest his soul in Paradise.

The Royal Court announced that Bahrain will observe a three-day mourning with flags to be flown at half-mast.

Oman

Oman’s Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik also mourned the passing of the late President. “Sheikh Khalifa was one of the Arab leaders who worked to serve Arab and Islamic nation and led the United Arab Emirates with determination and perseverance until it became a landmark referred to in all fields,” the statement by Oman News Agency said.

Oman declared three days of mourning following the passing ofSheikh Khalifa.

In a statement issued, Oman News Agency (ONA) quoting Diwan of Royal Court said three days of official mourning will be observed starting from Friday, May 13 until Sunday, May 15 as a mark of respect. Flags will fly at half-mast during the three days.

UN office in UAE offers condolences

"The UN in UAE offers its heartfelt condolences on the profound loss of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In this moment of grief our thoughts are with the people of UAE. The UN offices are now in official mourning & the UN flags are flown at half-mast on all UAE lands," it weeted.

Egypt

Egypt and Iraq’s prime ministers also expressed their condolences for the UAE President’s passing.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi mourned the death of Sheikh Khalifa, saying he "sincerely loved Egypt and was a loyal friend in all circumstances."

"I mourn with deep sorrow and grief one of the most precious men and one of the greatest leaders, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE, who passed away after a long journey of giving," the Egyptian president wrote on his social media accounts Friday.

El Sisi added that the UAE's late president "gave much to his country and his nation until the Emirates became an icon for development and modernity in our region and the world."

"In my name and the name of the Egyptian people, I offer my condolences to the Emirati leadership, state and people in this great loss."

Al Azhar, represented by its leaders, imams and students, has mourned the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. In a statement today, Dr. Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar and Chair of the Muslim Council of Elders, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership and people on the sad news, and prayed to Allah Almighty to grant him eternal peace and the UAE people solace and patience.

India 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal expressed condolences on the demise.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote, "I am deeply saddened to know about the passing away of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. He was a great statesman and visonary 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."

"Received with profound grief, the news of the death of the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. A strong and visionary leader, he steered the UAE through pathbreaking reforms making it an oasis of prosperity," Piyush Goyal tweeted.

"His contribution in fostering deeper India-UAE ties cannot be overstated. At a time when we have set sail on a new phase of our ties, Sheikh Khalifa's departure will be strongly felt. I extend my deepest condolences to the Royal family & the people of UAE in this hour of grief," he added.

Pakistan 

The Government of Pakistan has announced three-day national mourning from Friday till Sunday in solidarity with the brotherly people of the UAE over the "sad demise of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan."

A statement issued on Friday said that the National Flag shall also fly at half-mast during the mourning period.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif extended his condolences and said the UAE has lost a visionary leader and Pakistan 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, Prime Minister of Pakistan, said in a tweet.

Lebanon

Lebanon's Cabinet declared nationwide mourning for Sheikh Khalifa, with flags to be flown at half-mast for three days until Sunday.

President Michel Aoun sent his condolences, saying Lebanon will "miss a president who defends just Arab causes, a sincere brother who loved Lebanon and the Lebanese who gave love and loyalty to him."

Palestine

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has mourned the death of Sheikh Khalifa and offered his condolences to the UAE and its people.

The Palestinian presidency declared a national period of mourning and flags to be flown at half-mast for one day, according to the official WAFA news agency.

Turkey

Turkish President Erdogan extended his condolences and said he would visit the UAE to pay his respects, the Anadolu Agency reported.

Sudan

Sudan’s Military leader, Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, also offered his condolences in a statement. He described Sheikh Khalifa as an “exceptional leader and a wise man who contributed to the renaissance of his country which became a role model in development and progress.”

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett offered his condolences on Friday.

“On behalf of the government and people of Israel, I extend my sincere condolences to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates on the death of His Excellency the President of the State, Sheikh #Khalifa Benzaid Al-Nahyan. I also extend my condolences to my friend Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed," tweeted Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Iraq

Iraqi President Barham Salih and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi offered their condolences on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa.

Iraqi President Salih said in a tweet: “With great sadness and sorrow, we received the news of the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who was known for his wisdom and generosity for the sake of his homeland and the Arab and Islamic nation.”

Al Kadhimi was quoted in a tweet as saying: “We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to the leadership of the UAE and its honorable people, and we are confident that the pioneering path of the great late will continue with the efforts of the country’s leadership and people.”

Kurdistan

President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani extended his condolences to the late president’s family, stating that they “share their grief” on the death of Sheikh Khalifa.

"With deep sadness and great sorrow, I condole His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the honorable family, their Highnesses, the leadership, the state and the people of the UAE," President Barzani wrote.

The Region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani sent out a condoling tweet, lauding Sheikh Khalifa’s role in booming the UAE.

“I offer my sincere condolences on the passing of the deceased, who devoted his life to serving his people and humanity,” said the premier.

Pakistan senate

Pakistan's Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the sad demise of Sheikh Khalifa.

In his message, the Chairman Senate said that Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan had played an important role in the development and prosperity of the UAE. His services were also invaluable for the unity and solidarity of the Muslim Ummah, he underlined. Due to his economic and people-friendly policies, the United Arab Emirates had grown by leaps and bounds and made significant strides.

He remarked that during his tenure relations between Pakistan and UAE reached new heights and were effectively enhanced. The Chairman Senate had conveyed his condolences to the family of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and prayed to Allah Almighty for the forgiveness and high ranks of the deceased.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa alongwith all ranks of Pakistan Army on Friday expressed heartfelt condolence on the demise Sheikh Khalifa.

Brazil

In a statement released on Thursday, the Brazil Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "The Brazilian government and people stand in solidarity with the government and people of the UAE over this great loss on passing away of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan."

"Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed was a statesman who played an active role in his country's impressive social and economic development in the recent decades. Under his leadership, relations between Brazil and the UAE have been developed and the two countries enjoy strategic partnership," the statement added.

Singapore

Singapore's President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have mourned the passing of Sheikh Khalifa. Both leaders have written to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, to convey their condolences.

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. His Highness will always be remembered for his love and care for the people."

She added, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Your Highness and the people of the UAE during this time of bereavement."

Prime Minister Lee wrote, "His Highness Sheikh Khalifa dedicated his life in service of the people of Abu Dhabi as well as the UAE. His Highness played a key role in strengthening the unity of the federation and improving the lives of his people. During His Highness' reign, relations between Singapore and the UAE were strengthened with the establishment of the Singapore Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2007."

"His Highness' leadership laid a strong foundation for bilateral relations, which have since been elevated with the Singapore-UAE Comprehensive Partnership (SUCP) signed in 2019," he added.

Indonesia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has mourned the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"It was with profound sadness that I learnt of the passing of President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed," Widodo tweeted early on Saturday.

"He will forever be remembered as a great leader that solidified the prosperity of UAE," added the Indonesian President.

Greece

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has mourned the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"Profoundly saddened by the passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During his tenure, Greece-UAE relations have expanded exponentially," the foreign ministry tweeted late on Friday.

"We extend our sincere condolences & deepest sympathy to his family, the people and Gov’t of our close friend and strategic partner UAE," the ministry added.

Higher Committee of Human Fraternity

The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF) has mourned the death of Sheikh Khalifa.

In a statement, the HCHF said Sheikh Khalifa departed after a journey full of giving, during which he planted goodness, compassion and peace for all of humanity following in the footsteps of his wise father, the late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The HCHF appreciated Sheikh Khalifa's tremendous efforts to promote values of coexistence, compassion and tolerance.

''As the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity mourns the late Sheikh Khalifa, it extends its sincere condolences to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the patron of human fraternity - and to the people of the United Arab Emirates,'' the statement added.

Albania

Ilir Meta, President of the Republic of Albania, has condoled the death of Sheikh Khalifa.

"I learned with sadness the passing of the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan," President Meta tweeted late on Friday. He praised Sheikh Khalifa's contributions in strengthening Albania-UAE relations, development and progress of the UAE.

Jersey

Senator Ian Gorst, Minister of External Relations of the Government of the British Channel Island of Jersey, has expressed his condolences to the UAE on the death of Sheikh Khalifa.

"Saddened to hear of the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan," Gorst said in a tweet. "My thoughts and condolences are with his family and the people of the Emirates in this most difficult of times."