President Sheikh Mohamed mourns Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed

Seven days of mourning announced in the UAE with flags flown at half-mast

President Sheikh Mohamed is mourning Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, who died on Wednesday.

An official mourning period of seven days has been announced, with flags to be flown at half-mast.

Sheikh Tahnoon was a close adviser to the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and was an uncle of the head of state.

The Presidential Court issued an obituary for Sheikh Tahnoon.

“In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful … With hearts faithful to God's decree and destiny, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan mourns his uncle, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, who passed away today,” it read.

When a member of the ruling family dies, the country enters a mourning period, which can last between three and 40 days.

Live radio broadcasts are taken off air and stations play classical music. Live entertainment is typically cancelled or dialled down out of respect.

Sheikh Tahnoon was previously deputy chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and deputy chairman of the Supreme Petroleum Council.

The road from Al Ain to Dubai was named in his honour in November 2018, after major renovation work improved the city's connection to Dubai and Sharjah.

UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed, who was a close adviser. Wam

Sheikh Zayed with Sheikh Tahnoon. Wam

Sheikh Tahnoon, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, visits the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. Photo: Ruler's Representative's Diwan in Al Ain

Sheikh Tahnoon at the wedding of Bin Majran Al Ameri in Al Ain. He had a deep and personal relationship with the people of the region. Photo: Ruler's Representative's Diwan in Al Ain

President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Tahnoon with Sheikha Fatima bint Khalifa bin Tahnoon and Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa bin Tahnoon. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Tahnoon with Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon, executive director of the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, at an iftar reception at Al Bateen Palace. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, with Sheikh Tahnoon and Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon at an Eid Al Fitr reception in Mushrif Palace. UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Tahnoon performs Eid Al Adha prayers at the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Mosque in Al Ain, in 2022. Wam

An official mourning period of seven days has been announced, with flags to be flown at half-staff after the death of Sheikh Tahnoon. Wam

Sheikh Tahnoon was an uncle of President Sheikh Mohamed. Photo: Ruler's Representative's Diwan in Al Ain

In tribute, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, wrote on X: “Today, Zayed's companion Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan arrived at the Most Merciful.

“Our condolences to the President, the entire Al Nahyan family, and the honourable people of the Emirates.

“Our condolences are in his achievements, and in his years of giving, and in his children who give what is dear and precious to this country.

“May God have mercy on him and make him dwell in His spacious gardens, and inspire us all with patience and solace. We belong to God and to Him we shall return.”