Early this morning, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, died at the age of 73 after suffering from an illness. He was found unconscious in his palace early this morning by a member of his staff, and was immediately rushed to hospital, where he passed away just over an hour later. Sheikh Khalifa had been ill for several years prior to his death, having suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure, but there were no signs that he would die as suddenly as he did.
Table of Contents
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan – In Memoriam
Sheikh Khalifa was one of several brothers who had ruled Abu Dhabi together since their father’s death in 2004. The six were sons of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a founder and longtime ruler of the country, who died in 2004 after ruling for nearly five decades. Sheikh Khalifa succeeded his older brother as president upon his death in 2004 and was re-elected to that post by popular vote in 2006 and again each year thereafter. He was also appointed Supreme Commander of UAE armed forces following that elder brother’s death and held both posts until he handed over command to his son, Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan last year.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed mourns death of Sheikh Khalifa
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed mourned his father Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and expressed sorrow over his death. In a statement, Sheikh Abdullah said: The UAE is in a state of sorrow and sadness with deep grief over the martyrdom of Sheikh Khalifa, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler. He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest Sheikh Khalifa’s soul in Paradise.
The life and legacy of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayhan
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed was born in 1948 and is an Emirati politician who has been president of Abu Dhabi since 2004. Sheikh Khalifa died Monday morning and was buried in Abu Dhabi. He will be remembered for his diplomatic relationship with the international community and his important contributions to charity. The Crown Prince is Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zaid Al Nayhan. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zaid is son of Sheikh Zayed who is grandfather to both Sheikhs. Because Sheikh Mohammed has no sons, he appointed a daughter as deputy Ruler which makes her first in line to rule Abu Dhabi.
Reaction to death
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has died after suffering from a serious illness in Abu Dhabi. The UAE president was a key ally to Western powers fighting Islamic extremism as well as an influential leader within OPEC, serving on its executive board. Sheikh Khalifa’s 63-year-old brother and crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan succeeded him and is scheduled to be sworn in on Thursday. Sheikh Mohammed has already been appointed deputy supreme commander of all UAE armed forces by his late brother. He is also special adviser to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman.
