India Declares 1-Day State Mourning Tomorrow After UAE President's Death

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

(Photo: uae-embassy.org)

India, on Friday, 13 May, announced a one-day state mourning on Saturday on the demise of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan died on Friday. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the GoI has decided that there will be one day’s state mourning tomorrow throughout India," the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

"The National Flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of mourning throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day," the MHA added.

UAE's Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced 73-year-old Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's demise as well as the official mourning on Friday evening.

Flags will be at half-mast for a period of 40 days, starting Friday, the ministry added.

Work will also be suspended in ministries, departments, federal and local institutions, and the private sector for three days, according to Arab News.

Who Was President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed?

President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed had also been the emir of Abu Dhabi and UAE Armed Forces supreme commander since 2004, and became the second president of UAE in the same year. He succeeded his father Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as the 16th ruler of the capital state.

He embarked on a long and rich journey from being the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of Supreme Petroleum Council in the 1990s to taking over as the president of the UAE.

He was declared one of the richest monarchs in the world during his rule and controlled almost a trillion oil barrel reserves.

The stupendous Burj Khalifa was named after him in 2010, renamed from Burj Dubai, as a present to him for paying Dubai's $10 billion debt.

President Khalifa was also enlisted by Forbes as one of the world's most powerful people in 2018.

His public appearances had reduced significantly after he suffered a stroke in 2014 and his half-brother Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan carried out the state affairs after the incident.

Condolences by World Leaders

Condolences poured in on social media after the Sheikh's death. His brother Mohammed bin Zayed tweeted on Friday:

"The Emirates has lost its virtuous son and leader of the 'stage of empowerment' and the trustee of its blessed journey. His stances, achievements, wisdom, generosity, and initiatives are in every corner of the nation.. Khalifa bin Zayed, my brother... may God have mercy on you and grant you access to paradise."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the late leader, saying that he was a "great statesman".

"I am deeply saddened to know about the passing away of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. He was a great statesman and visionary leader under whom India-UAE relations prospered. The heartfelt condolences of the people of India are with the people of UAE. May his soul rest in peace," PM Modi expressed.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan also took to Twitter to express his condolence.

"Truly saddened to learn of the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. He was a great friend of Pakistan & a visionary leader of his people. My heartfelt condolences & prayers go to the Royal family & the Emirati people," he wrote.

Will Always Remember his Contribution to India: President Kovind

President of India Ram Nath Kovind tweeted, "We will always remember his contribution to our bilateral relations and welfare of the Indian community in UAE."

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif added:

"Deeply grieved to hear about the passing of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of UAE. UAE has lost a visionary leader & Pakistan a great friend. We send our heartfelt condolences & sympathies to the government & people of the UAE. May Allah rest his soul in peace!"

"Deeply saddened by the passing of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who has always kept cordial relations with Kerala. He was a visionary leader who played a key role in modernising the Emirates. His contributions will be remembered forever," tweeted Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

On the incident, Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "We deeply mourn the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. He will be remembered as a leader who modernised and empowered the United Arab Emirates. This laid the foundation of the transformation of the India-UAE relationship."

(With inputs from NDTV.)