President Sheikh Mohamed declares mourning period for Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed

LATEST: President Sheikh Mohamed leads funeral prayers for Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed

President Sheikh Mohamed has declared three days of mourning after the death of Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed, the Ruler's Representative in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Saeed, brother of Sheikh Mohamed, died on Thursday, state news agency Wam reported.

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful … With hearts faithful to God's decree and destiny, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan mourns his late brother, HH Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, who passed away today,” the Presidential Court said on Thursday morning.

The Presidential Court had previously reported that Sheikh Saeed had been suffering from a health problem.

Funeral prayers

Funeral prayers will be held on Thursday after noon prayers at the Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed the First Mosque in Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi.

They will also be held at all mosques around the country after noon prayers.

Condolences will be received on Thursday at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, and on Friday and Saturday, from 10am to noon and from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Son of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Saeed held a number of important positions in the emirate.

After graduating in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in political science from UAE University, he was named as Undersecretary of the Department of Planning in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Saeed later served as chairman of the Department of Seaports from 1991 to 1996, where he cut through red tape to improve customs clearance and advance plans to develop the new Port Khalifa.

Between 2004 and 2010, he was a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the main governing body of the Abu Dhabi government.

As Ruler’s Representative, he was involved in many international and domestic events, including the Zayed Heritage Festival and Masdar's 2013 launch of Africa’s largest solar energy plant in Mauritania.

Sheikh Saeed took a keen interest in sports, especially football, where he served as chairman of the UAE Football Association from 2002 to 2003 and as patron of the Soccerex Forum in Dubai in 2001.

He played a key role in the UAE's successful hosting of the 2003 Fifa Youth World Cup.

Sheikh Saeed was also president of Al Wahda Football Club from 1990 to 2014, during which time the side won its first league title in 1999, followed by another in 2001.

He also served as chairman of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Port Authority.

UAE flags flying at half-mast as mourning begins

Official mourning began on Thursday, with flags flown at half-mast.

Tributes have already started to pour in, including a message posted by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, on Twitter.

“The Diwan of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may Allah protect him, and to the entire Al Nahyan family,” the tweet read.

“They implore the Almighty God to shower His abundant mercy and blessings upon the departed soul and grant him a place in His spacious gardens.”

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, also paid tribute following Sheikh Saeed's death.

“O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, bestow on him sound health, pardon him, honour his abode, expand his dwelling place (prepared for him in heaven), cleanse him with cool water and purify him from sins as a white garment is purified from impurity,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote on Instagram.

Another tribute came on Thursday morning from Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President.

“I offer my sincere condolences to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the State, may Allah protect him, and to the esteemed Al Nahyan family on the passing of the late Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed, who dedicated his life to serving his country and its leadership,” said Dr Gargash.

“We pray that God envelops the departed soul of the UAE with His vast mercy and grants His Highness [Sheikh Mohamed] and his noble family patience and solace during this time of grief.”