DUBAI: United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan passed away at the age of 73 on Friday, ARY NEWS reported.
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced official mourning and flags at half-mast for a period of 40 days, starting Friday. Work will also be suspended in ministries, departments, federal and local institutions, and the private sector for three days.
The entire ARY family also expresses condolence over his sad demise.
إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون .. فقدت الإمارات ابنها البار وقائد “مرحلة التمكين” وأمين رحلتها المباركة.. مواقفه وإنجازاته وحكمته وعطاؤه ومبادراته في كل زاوية من زوايا الوطن.. خليفة بن زايد، أخي وعضيدي ومعلمي ، رحمك الله بواسع رحمته وأدخلك في رضوانه وجنانه.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) May 13, 2022
According to Reuters, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was born in 1948, came to power in 2004 in the richest emirate Abu Dhabi and became the head of state. He is expected to be succeeded as ruler of Abu Dhabi by his half-brother Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
Mohammed bin Zayed has been the de facto ruler of the U.S.-allied UAE, particularly after Khalifa suffered a stroke in 2014, following which he has rarely been seen in public.
Under the constitution, vice-president and premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, will act as president until the federal council which groups the rulers of the seven emirates meets within 30 days to elect a new president.
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 (@CMShehbaz) May 13, 2022
#COAS & all ranks of Pak Army express heartfelt condolence on the sad demise of President of UAE,HH, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. “Pak has lost a great friend. May Allah Almighty bless his soul & give strength to bereaved family 2 bear this irreparable loss, Ameen” COAS.
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) May 13, 2022
 President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan passed away at the age of 73 on Friday){kind=link}