The Arab world plunged into mourning last night with the death of its elder statesman Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan Al-Nahayan, the president of the United Arab Emirates. Arab governments announced three days of mourning starting today to mark the passing away of the UAE leader.
The 86-year-old president(he was older than that, they arent really sure of his true birth date), who had been in declining health for years, died last night in Abu Dhabi. He had had a kidney transplant in 2000 and was recently in London for hospital treatment. But no cause of death was given last night.
The announcement of his death cast a pall of gloom across the UAE, both among nationals and expatriates. Many shops which normally remain open throughout the night, downed their shutters early.
Sheikh Zayed’s body will be laid to rest today.
The ruler of the emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum ibn Rashid, will act as president of the seven-emirate group until a new overall ruler is chosen.
Crown Prince Abdullah yesterday telephoned Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Muhammad ibn Zayed, deputy crown prince of Abu Dhabi to extend his condolences on the demise of Sheikh Zayed.
Analysts said last night that Zayed’s death removes a key voice in Arab politics and a figure who had often acted as troubleshooter among Arab leaders.
With oil prices at their highest levels in recent weeks, it was not clear what impact Zayed’s death might have on the markets. The United Arab Emirates is the fourth largest producer of crude in the Gulf and is estimated to have some seven percent of the world’s known reserves.
Zayed played a crucial role in fostering understanding between the West and the Muslim world through a number of political and cultural initiatives.
Sheikh Zayed had been president of the UAE since its birth in 1971. Sheikh Zayed’s role was as a traditional figurehead for his oil-rich country.
He had not attended Arab summits for several years.
He had ruled Abu Dhabi — the richest and largest of the seven emirates and the capital of the state — since 1966.
He named his eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed, as crown prince back in 1969.
The UAE was created in 1971, when six desert sheikhdoms — Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah and Umm Al-Quwain — gained independence following the departure of British troops.
The seventh emirate, Ras Al-Khaimah, joined in 1972.
Under Sheikh Zayed’s rule with the massive income generated by its oil production, the country was transformed from a tribal backwater to a world financial center.
He was genuinely loved and respected by his citizens, who credited him with distributing the wealth fairly throughout the country.
he was like a father to me, this news just killed me, Allah yerhamk ya zayed:frown:
The 86-year-old president(he was older than that, they arent really sure of his true birth date), who had been in declining health for years, died last night in Abu Dhabi. He had had a kidney transplant in 2000 and was recently in London for hospital treatment. But no cause of death was given last night.
The announcement of his death cast a pall of gloom across the UAE, both among nationals and expatriates. Many shops which normally remain open throughout the night, downed their shutters early.
Sheikh Zayed’s body will be laid to rest today.
The ruler of the emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum ibn Rashid, will act as president of the seven-emirate group until a new overall ruler is chosen.
Crown Prince Abdullah yesterday telephoned Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Muhammad ibn Zayed, deputy crown prince of Abu Dhabi to extend his condolences on the demise of Sheikh Zayed.
Analysts said last night that Zayed’s death removes a key voice in Arab politics and a figure who had often acted as troubleshooter among Arab leaders.
With oil prices at their highest levels in recent weeks, it was not clear what impact Zayed’s death might have on the markets. The United Arab Emirates is the fourth largest producer of crude in the Gulf and is estimated to have some seven percent of the world’s known reserves.
Zayed played a crucial role in fostering understanding between the West and the Muslim world through a number of political and cultural initiatives.
Sheikh Zayed had been president of the UAE since its birth in 1971. Sheikh Zayed’s role was as a traditional figurehead for his oil-rich country.
He had not attended Arab summits for several years.
He had ruled Abu Dhabi — the richest and largest of the seven emirates and the capital of the state — since 1966.
He named his eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed, as crown prince back in 1969.
The UAE was created in 1971, when six desert sheikhdoms — Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah and Umm Al-Quwain — gained independence following the departure of British troops.
The seventh emirate, Ras Al-Khaimah, joined in 1972.
Under Sheikh Zayed’s rule with the massive income generated by its oil production, the country was transformed from a tribal backwater to a world financial center.
He was genuinely loved and respected by his citizens, who credited him with distributing the wealth fairly throughout the country.
he was like a father to me, this news just killed me, Allah yerhamk ya zayed:frown:
