Queen Elizabeth II dies – follow the latest news as the world mourns
Arab leaders offered their condolences to the British royal family after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Britain's longest reigning monarch died on Thursday at age 96, with Buckingham Palace announcing her death at Balmoral in Scotland.
Messages poured in from the Middle East's most notable officials describing the queen as an “iconic leader” who served her country with dignity and grace.
In the Gulf, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed said Queen Elizabeth "was a close friend of the UAE and a beloved and respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion and a tireless commitment to serving her country".
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, who knew the queen for many years, said she was a "global icon who represented the finest qualities of her nation and people".
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim, said with "her loss the world has lost a great human symbol".
Queen Elizabeth "was a source of inspiration and nobility, and she had solid and constructive relations with Qatar that strengthened the bonds of friendship and partnership between our two peoples".
In Oman, Sultan Haitham sent a message of condolence to Queen Elizabeth's son and successor, King Charles III.
"The late queen was a steadfast friend of the Sultanate of Oman and contributed to strengthening the close relations between Oman and the United Kingdom."
Iraq’s President Barham Salih said the queen will be “remembered as a great icon of history who served with grace, dignity and fortitude”.
Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi said the queen “was respected and cherished all over the world”.
Iraq had maintained a long and complicated relationship with the British monarchy, beginning when King Faisal II of Iraq visited Queen Elizabeth II in London in July 1956.
“We extend our condolences to King Charles III, and stress the continued partnership between our two countries,” Mr Al Kadhimi said.
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Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Abu Dhabi during a state visit to the Gulf on February 25, 1979. Getty -
The UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the queen arrive for the inauguration of Le Meridien Abu Dhabi in 1979. Photo: Le Meridien Abu Dhabi -
The queen during her visit to the UAE in 1979. Photo: Ramesh Shukla -
The queen appoints Sheikh Rashid, then Ruler of Dubai, a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, during her tour of the Gulf states, in Abu Dhabi in February 1979. Getty -
The queen sits with Sheikh Rashid on the Dubai Ruler's new dhow, as they are taken on a sightseeing tour of the emirate on February 26, 1979. AP -
The queen, Sheikh Zayed and Prince Philip sit before lunch at the Hilton Hotel in Abu Dhabi, during the UK royals' tour of the Gulf states in February 1979. Getty -
Yemeni councillor Sayyid Abubakr bin Shaikh Alkaff kneels before Queen Elizabeth to be knighted during her visit to Aden on April 29, 1954. AFP -
The queen with Sheikh Khalifa, who was then the UAE's President, at Mushrif Palace on November 25, 2010 in Abu Dhabi. Getty -
The queen was welcomed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, during her visit to Abu Dhabi in 2010. Getty -
The queen and Prince Philip with President Sheikh Mohamed, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at Abu Dhabi airport on November 24, 2010. Getty -
The queen with the emir of Bahrain at a horse and camel race meeting in 1979. Getty -
Queen Elizabeth eats with her hands in the desert with King Hassan during her visit to Morocco on October 27, 1980. Getty -
The queen attends the races during her visit to Saudi Arabia in February 1979. Getty -
King Faisal II of Iraq and the queen leave Victoria Station in London for Buckingham Palace, in July 1956. Getty -
The queen in Kuwait during her tour of the Gulf in 1979. Getty -
The queen drives through Tunis with Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba during a state visit in October 1980. Getty -
The queen walks towards her plane with Sultan Qaboos of Oman, before she and Prince Philip leave Muscat after a five-day state visit to the Gulf region. Getty -
The queen walks in Muscat. Getty -
The queen and Prince Philip during a visit to Qatar in February 1979. Getty -
The queen with the Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlevi of Iran during a banquet in Tehran on March 2, 1961. AP -
Queen Noor of Jordan, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth and King Hussein of Jordan after the British royals' arrival in the country in 1984. Getty -
The queen alongside former Algerian President Chadli Bendjedid, inspect a guard of honour on her arrival in Algiers for a three-day state visit in October 1980. Getty -
The queen and Prince Philip with King Idris of Libya at the Royal Palace in Tobruk in May 1954. AP
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi said the British monarch led “her country for decades with great wisdom”.
“I affirm our determination to work with King Charles to strengthen the relations of our two friendly countries and peoples,” Mr Al Sisi said.
“I have full confidence in the ability of King Charles to fill the void left by Queen Elizabeth II.”
Jordan’s King Abdullah II said his country was mourning “the passing of an iconic leader”.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades. She was a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend,” he said.
“We stand with the people and leadership of the UK at this difficult time.”
Over the years, Jordan has maintained close ties with the British royal family that date back to the early 1900s.
The king ordered seven days of mourning for the queen.
Queen Rania of Jordan, the wife of King Abdullah, said: “With a heavy heart, we bid farewell to an icon of selfless dedication and unwavering commitment, a queen who embodied the traits of a faithful and devoted sovereign.”
