Breaking News: UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Passed Away
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, died at the age of 73.
Beginning Friday, the presidential ministry declared 40 days of official national mourning over the president's death. During this time, the flags will be lowered at half-mast.
According to the Dubai Media Office, work in both the public and private sectors will be suspended for three days, including Friday.
According to the constitution, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, will serve as president until the Federal Council of Rulers of the Seven Emirates meets to elect a new president within 30 days.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his condolences on a tweet and said that "the UAE has lost its righteous son, the leader of the 'strengthening phase' and the administrator of his blessed journey."
Sheikh Khalifa, the late ruler of Abu Dhabi, was elected President of the United Arab Emirates on November 3, 2004, and succeeded his father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as President of the United Arab Emirates from 1971 to 2004.
