UAE's religious communities remember Sheikh Khalifa

Anglican Church and Sikh Community among those paying tribute to the late President

The Sikh temple in Dubai's Jebel Ali, Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, held special prayers for the late President Sheikh Khalifa. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National

People offer prayers for Sheikh Khalifa at the temple.

A mourning period of 40 days was announced in the UAE, including three days off for the public and private sector, with work resuming on May 17.

Members of the Sikh community gather to give their condolences.

Many of the people who worship here have called the Emirates their home for years.

Worshippers during the prayer ceremony.

Visitors pay tribute to the late Ruler.

Children among the crowd.

Visitors write tributes for the late Ruler.

A visitor signs a tribute book.

Several countries also announced mourning periods, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and India.

Leaders and people from across the region and around the world have offered their condolences.

The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai has the capacity to host hundreds of worshippers.

The Sikh community in the UAE comprises tens of thousands of people.

The UAE's religious communities have been remembering Sheikh Khalifa.

The Anglican Church and Sikh community in Dubai and Abu Dhabi held ceremonies and said prayers to pay tribute to the late President.

In Dubai, the Sikh temple in Jebel Ali hosted special prayers on Saturday for Sheikh Khalifa, who died on Friday at age 73.

Scores of worshippers attended the prayers and paid emotional tributes in a book placed beside a portrait of the late President.

The ceremony at the Guru Nanak Darbar started at 8pm, and was attended by residents from across the country.

St Andrew's Anglican Church also held special prayers for Sheikh Khalifa as part of its 10am Sunday service.

Churchgoers during prayers for the late President, Sheikh Khalifa, at St Andrew's Church, in Abu Dhabi. All Photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Beulah Miller, administrator of the church, at the service for Sheikh Khalifa.

Farensa Marimo reading the word of the day at St Andrew's.

Rev Christine Trainor takes part in the service, via video link.

The UAE's religious communities have been marking the death of Sheikh Khalifa.

Scores of worshippers attended.

People follow proceedings during the service.

Worshippers at St Andrew's read prayers and reflect on Sheikh Khalifa's life.

A man kneels in prayer. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Worshippers gathered at the church in the Mushrif area of the capital, read prayers and reflected on Sheikh Khalifa's life.

Rev Christine Trainor appeared through video link at the service to read the gospel with people from across the city attending.

Many other places of worship across the UAE from different denominations marked Sheikh Khalifa's death with special prayers.

The UAE is observing a 40-day mourning period, including three days off for the public and private sector, with work resuming on May 17.

Leaders in the region and around the world paid condolences, while some countries have also announced mourning periods.

UAE residents welcome country's new President — in pictures

Augustin Mendi, from Argentina, said the future of the UAE is bright with the continuity the country's new president offers. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National

Hiroyuki Suzuki,a tour guide working in Dubai, said the new President will help to promote tourism further.

Mohammed Yasir, Pakistan, feels the UAE will continue to be one of the best places to live.

Riyaz Sheriff, from India, said Sheikh Mohamed was the obvious choice as President.