UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Passes Away

Merge 104.8  |  13 May 2022

The President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan passed away, state news agency WAM reported on Friday, May 13th.

The UAE’s Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced an official morning period starting from today, for the next 40 days, with flags at half-mast. The ministry also suspended work in the private sector, as well as in ministries, departments, federal and local institutions, starting from today, for a period of 3 days.

The late Sheikh Khalifa became the second president of the UAE, succeeding his late father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The UAE was formed by the merging of seven emirates back in 1971, and in addition to being the country’s second president, he was also the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Countries around the world are paying tribute to the late Sheikh, and condolences are pouring in, as the world mourns the death of a great leader.

The late Sheikh Khalifa was known for his generosity and his giving nature. The Burj Khalifa was named after him after the UAE government bailed Dubai out of its debt, and he was also known for being a good listener, and for showing deep interest in the affairs of his people. 

The late president was also recognized for a host of other achievements, which included:

  • Developing the country’s armed forces, by introducing modern technologies and advanced training methods
  • Presiding over a major restructuring of both the Federal Government and the government of Abu Dhabi
  • Heading one of the largest investment funds in the world, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. This establishment managed hundreds of billions of dollars in assets.
  • Developing the oil and gas sector in a way that helped diversify the country’s economy
  • Establishing a social services and commercial buildings department, commonly known as the ‘Sheikh Khalifa Commitee’.
  • Modifying the method of selecting members of the Federal National Council, by combining the process of election and appointment
  • Supporting local sports teams, who them achieved local, regional, and international recognition

 May he rest in peace.