Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed: UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed has died

The president of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has died, according to local media reports quoting the Ministry of Presidential Affairs. He was 73 years old.

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs extends its condolences to the people of the United Arab Emirates, the Arab and Islamic nations and the people of the world on the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, a WAM news agency said in a statement.

Sheikh Khalifa has been the President of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Abu Dhabi since November 3, 2004.

According to the Khaleej Times, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs has declared 40 days of mourning for the death of His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi.

The flag will be flown at half-mast and ministries, departments, federal and local bodies will suspend work from Friday, it said.

He was elected successor to his father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who served as the first President of the United Arab Emirates since the Union in 1971 until his death on November 2, 2004.

Born in 1948, Sheikh Khalifa was the second president of the United Arab Emirates and the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi. He was the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed.

Since becoming President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa has presided over a major restructuring of both the federal government and the Abu Dhabi government.

Under his rule, the UAE has witnessed an accelerated development that has ensured decent living for those who call the country home.