THE UAE'S LONG-AILING LEADER, SHEIKH KHALIFA BIN ZAYED, HAS DIED

  • 13/05/2022

Dubai: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the long-ailing ruler of the United Arab Emirates, died Friday, the government's state-run news agency confirmed in a terse statement. He was 73 years old.


After bailing out debt-crippled Dubai during its financial crisis over a decade ago, Khalifa's name was immortalised on the world's highest edifice, the Burj Khalifa. 

The UAE's Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced a 40-day period of mourning and a three-day suspension of work in all ministries and the private sector beginning Friday, including flags to be flown at half-staff.

He had long ceased having involvement in the day-to-day affairs of ruling the country. Instead, his half-brother, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, was seen as the de-factor ruler and the decision-maker of major foreign policy decisions, such as joining a Saudi-led war in Yemen and spearheading an embargo on neighboring Qatar in recent years.

There was no immediate announcement about a successor, although Mohammed bin Zayed is anticipated to claim the presidency. 

Khalifa, who has rarely been seen in official photos or at public events for years, succeeded his father, the UAE's founder Sheikh Zayed, in 2004.

He suffered a stroke and underwent emergency a decade later, though officials did not release the news until the following day. He has largely been out of public sight ever since.

Related News

UAE Forms Advisory Committee to Align Higher Education with ...
  • 30/06/2025
Step Into Prehistoric Adventure at VOX Cinemas’ Jurassic Caf ...
  • 30/06/2025
G42’s ‘Supercharged’ Event Celebrates AI Milestones and Glob ...
  • 28/06/2025
Sharjah’s ‘Summer with Us’ Program to Empower Over 700 Girls
  • 28/06/2025
Dubai Unveils Major Policies to Raise Education Standards an ...
  • 27/06/2025
Sharjah Launches Youth Program to Support Strong, Stable Fam ...
  • 25/06/2025
5th PPP MENA Forum Returns to Dubai to Shape Future Infrastr ...
  • 24/06/2025
Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 to Bring Discounts and Family ...
  • 24/06/2025
Dubai Showcases Marine Innovation on World Hydrography Day
  • 24/06/2025
Dubai Launches Phase 2 of Zero Bureaucracy Drive to Boost Go ...
  • 23/06/2025
Dubai Basketball Club Makes History with EuroLeague Debut fo ...
  • 23/06/2025
Kuwait National Guard Confirms Stable Radiation Levels Natio ...
  • 22/06/2025