UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed dies
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan died today at the age of 73, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced, reported the Emirates news agency WAM on Friday.
“The Ministry of Presidential Affairs condoles the people of the UAE, the Arab and Islamic nation, and the world over the demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE”, WAM reported.
The UAE declared official mourning and flags flown at half-mast for Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who was buried 40 days ago.
The country also announced a three-day suspension of work in ministries, federal and local institutions and the private sector in mourning for Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed.
Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was born at Al Muwaiji Castle in Al Ain in 1948. In August 1966, he was appointed as the representative of the governor of Abu Dhabi in the Eastern Province and head of its legal system.
In February 1969, he was appointed crown prince of Abu Dhabi. In July 1971, he assumed the presidency of the first local council of ministers of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in addition to the ministries of defense and finance.
On January 20, 1974, he became deputy prime minister and in 1976 was appointed deputy commander of the UAE’s armed forces.
On November 3, 2004, Sheik Khalifa became president of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi.
