In homes, on the streets and in places of worship across the UAE, there was quiet at the weekend as people observed the period of mourning.
The death of Sheikh Khalifa has left a gap in the lives of many.
And in the days after his passing, some of the people who knew him best have reflected on the man and how generous he was.
“I will forever miss his calmness,” said Emirati businessman Mohammed Al Fahim. “I've never known him once to lose his temper or get angry with anyone."
Mr Al Fahim grew up in Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Khalifa and experienced the challenging days before the discovery of oil in 1958. His book From Rags to Riches, is a classic account of how the emirate transformed during those years.
Mr Al Fahim paid tribute to Sheikh Khalifa as a man who helped his people throughout his life.
"I will miss his presence," said Mr Al Fahim. "He was a father figure to a lot of people — a father who never tired of listening to our complaints and demands. He was a kind ruler who took action more than he spoke."
Nasser Al Nowais, chairman of the Abu Dhabi-based Rotana Hotels Group, said Sheikh Khalifa was one of a kind.
“No one was like him,” Mr Al Nowais said. “In his humanity, his humility, his kindness and his care for others.”
As Mr Al Nowais’s direct manager at the Abu Dhabi Fund, Sheikh Khalifa was second to none in his kindness and humility, he said.
“He was approachable and cared about all his employees," said Mr Al Nowais. "Every project I presented to him, he supported and encouraged. He cared about the well-being of people not only in the UAE, but all over the world.”
Many people speak of Sheikh Khalifa's commitment to people's happiness and his generosity.
Mohamed Al Ameri, 32, said his father knew Sheikh Khalifa and often told stories about him
“In 2006, Sheikh Khalifa visited the Bedouins [in the desert] and they gave him welcoming gifts of food and fruits,” Mr Al Ameri said.
“I remember Sheikh Khalifa asking the name of each individual who sent a dish," said Mr Al Ameri. "He later thanked them personally for their generosity and made sure they were supported. Losing him is like losing an elder brother or a father."
Ali Al Shorafa, former director of the presidential court of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, also remembered Sheikh Khalifa fondly.
Mr Al Shorafa said Sheikh Khalifa gave strength and support to his brother and now President, Sheikh Mohamed.
“The late president Sheikh Khalifa played a vital role in giving Sheikh Mohamed unconditional support. He trusted his abilities to strengthen the UAE’s relationship with the rest of the world,” Mr Al Shorafa said.
“With his support, Sheikh Mohamed has achieved regional and international respect through the UAE's humanitarian stance, with countries going through crises and disasters, as well as through supporting Arab initiatives.” he said.
“History will forever remember Sheikh Khalifa for his unconditional support to Sheikh Mohamed and goals to unite the Arab world and build bridges to preserve national and regional security.”
UAE flags at half staff — in pictures
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier
UAE results
Beat China by 16 runs
Lost to Thailand by 10 wickets
Beat Nepal by five runs
Beat Hong Kong by eight wickets
Beat Malaysia by 34 runs
Standings (P, W, l, NR, points)
1. Thailand 5 4 0 1 9
2. UAE 5 4 1 0 8
3. Nepal 5 2 1 2 6
4. Hong Kong 5 2 2 1 5
5. Malaysia 5 1 4 0 2
6. China 5 0 5 0 0
Final
Thailand v UAE, Monday, 7am
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
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Essentials
The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Windhoek, with a combination of Emirates and Air Namibia, cost from US$790 (Dh2,902) via Johannesburg.
The trip
A 10-day self-drive in Namibia staying at a combination of the safari camps mentioned – Okonjima AfriCat, Little Kulala, Desert Rhino/Damaraland, Ongava – costs from $7,000 (Dh25,711) per person, including car hire (Toyota 4x4 or similar), but excluding international flights, with The Luxury Safari Company.
When to go
The cooler winter months, from June to September, are best, especially for game viewing.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh1,470,000 (est)
Engine 6.9-litre twin-turbo W12
Gearbox eight-speed automatic
Power 626bhp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 900Nm @ 1,350rpm
Fuel economy, combined 14.0L / 100km
The view from The National
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
