UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan passes away at 73

Abu Dhabi : United Arab Emirates (UAE) President and Abu Dhabi ruler Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has passed away at an age of 73 years.

40-day mourning has been announced on the passing of the leader. Flags will be flown at half-mast and ministries, departments, federal and local institutions will suspend work starting Friday, it said.

He was the President of UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi since November 3, 2004. He was elected to succeed his father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who served as the UAE’s first president since the union in 1971 until he passed away on November 2, 2004.

Born in 1948, Sheikh Khalifa was the second President of the UAE and the 16th Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Under his rule, Dubai saw an exponential growth and development, making it a desired home for many.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of the leader of Twitter and wrote: "I am deeply saddened to know about the passing away of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. He was a great statesman and visonary 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."

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