Zayed's demise plunges the country into grief

Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who died yesterday after ruling the UAE since the birth of the federation more than three decades ago, enjoyed the role of elder statesman in a conflict-torn region.

The Courts of Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the emirates in statements issued yesterday mourned with deep sorrow the sad loss of the country’s leader.

“The Presidential Court announces to the people of the Emirates, the Arab and Muslim worlds and the entire world that the leader of the nation and the builder of its civilisation, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, died on the evening of Tuesday, November 2, the 19th of Ramadan. May God have mercy on him.”

The Presidential Court extends its heartfelt condolences to the UAE people, the Arab and Islamic world and the world at large, the statement said, adding that it prayed to Almighty God to rest his soul in peace and give the UAE nationals the courage to bear the great loss.

The Dubai Ruler’s Court also mourned the President's death. The court paid tribute to Shaikh Zayed, who dedicated his life to the service of his country, people, the Arab and Islamic nation and the humanity at large. "May God rest his soul in peace and bestow mercy on him," the statement said.

His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, will receive condolences at Bateen Palace in Abu Dhabi, after Maghreb prayers for three days from today.

The court of His Highness Dr. Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, mourned the death of the President. “With deep sorrow and grief we mourn the demise of Shaikh Zayed who led a life full of honourable stances and acts in the service of his people and his Arab and Muslim nation,” the court said in a statement.

He was deeply devoted to his country, it said.

The court of His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, in a statement said Shaikh Zayed's life was replete with honourable stances and deeds.

“He spent his lifetime in building a modern state and serving his Arab and Islamic nation,” it said.

The Court of His Highness Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, while mourning the death of President, said: “The death of Shaikh Zayed is not a loss for the UAE only but also for the whole humanity”.

The statement described the lifetime of Shaikh Zayed as one devoted completely to the advancement of peace, good and rights and adherence to Islamic teachings and his nation's heritage.

The court of His Highness Shaikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, mourned the death of the President.

''The UAE today lost one of its most loyal and historic figure who built its civilisation and achieved the ambitions of his people as per a far-sighted vision and prudent stewardship,” a court statement said.

It added that the Arab nation had lost one of its great national leaders.

''Shaikh Zayed dedicated his life and resources to achieve Arab unity and solidarity and preserve its future as well as its security and rights,” the statement said.