He was known for being a good listener, modest and deeply interested in the affairs of his people.
Ministry of Presidential Affairs has announced 40 days of mourning.
Dubai News
UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan passed away on Friday, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced.
“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,” a Wam statement read.
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs has announced 40 days of mourning for the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Flags will be flown at half-mast and ministries, departments, federal and local institutions will suspend work starting today.
The eldest son of Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan had been serving as the president of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi since November 3, 2004.
Born in 1948 and known for being a good listener, modest, and deeply interested in the affairs of his people, Sheikh Khalifa was the second President of the UAE and the 16th Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
He was elected to succeed his father, the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who served as the UAE’s first president since the union in 1971 until he passed away on November 2, 2004. A much-loved figure in the UAE and the region, Sheikh Khalifa frequently conducted direct outreach through official missions and other occasions.
Since becoming the president of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa has presided over a major restructuring of both the Federal Government and the government of Abu Dhabi.
After being elected as the president, Sheikh Khalifa launched his first strategic plan for the UAE government to achieve balanced and sustainable development, placing the prosperity of UAE citizens and residents at the core. Under his reign, the UAE witnessed an accelerated development that ensured decent living for the people calling the country home. His key objectives as the president of the UAE was to continue on the path laid down by his father Sheikh Zayed.
Sheikh Khalifa steered the development of the oil and gas sector and the downstream industries that have contributed successfully to the country’s economic diversification. He undertook extensive tours throughout the UAE to study the needs of the Northern Emirates, during which he gave instructions for building of a number of projects related to housing, education and social services.
In addition, he launched an initiative to evolve the nomination system for members of the Federal National Council, which was seen as a first step towards the establishment of direct elections in the UAE
