President Sheikh Khalifa dies aged 73

The President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa, has died.

The news was announced on Friday afternoon by the state news agency Wam.

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs said there will be 40 days of official mourning with flags at half-staff, and three days of closure of ministries and official entities at the federal and local levels as well as the private sector.

The official mourning period will begin on Saturday, with normal working hours resuming on Tuesday.

The funeral will be on Friday after the maghrib prayer, with all mosques in the UAE holding funeral prayers.

On Saturday, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will receive condolences from the Rulers of the Emirates and senior officials at Mushrif Palace.

In a statement published by Wam, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs expressed its condolences to the people of the UAE, Arab and Islamic nations and the world on the death of Sheikh Khalifa.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, expressed his deep sadness at the news.

“It is with great sorrow and grief that we mourn to the UAE people, Arab and Islamic nations and the world the death of President of our country Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the leader of our journey,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter.

“May Allah bless his soul with ease on his new journey into the hereafter and grant him the highest ranks of paradise.

“Oh God, we testify that Khalifa bin Zayed has fulfilled his duty, served and loved his people. Oh God, his people have been satisfied with him, so be pleased with him and grant him your mercy and the highest ranks of paradise.

“Grant us, his people, his family and his loved ones patience and solace. To God we belong and to Him we shall return.”

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed shared an online message in honour of the UAE President.

“To God we belong and to Him we shall return,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote.

“The UAE lost its righteous son, the leader of the 'empowerment stage' and the trustee of its blessed journey.

“His stances, achievements, wisdom, giving and initiatives are in every corner of the country.

“Khalifa bin Zayed, my brother, my mentor and my teacher, may God have mercy on you with his vast mercy and grant you his satisfaction and paradise.”

Leaders from across the region and around the world have offered their condolences.

Following the death of President Sheikh Khalifa, a new President of the Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi will be named.

The UAE Constitution states that the Supreme Council will have one month to convene and choose the successor to the role of President. The new President will be selected from among the members of the Federal Supreme Council.

During this time, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid will assume all presidential powers.

The Supreme Council will then elect the new President, who will hold office for five years before being eligible for re-election.

On December 3, 2004, one day after the death of the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the council met and unanimously elected Sheikh Khalifa to the position of President.

The successor of Sheikh Khalifa as Ruler of Abu Dhabi is expected to be known within 24 hours.