UAE leaders sent condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin after the death of Moscow's ambassador to the Emirates.
Sergei Kuznetsov, who died suddenly according to reports, served as ambassador since 2019. The cause of death has not yet been released.
On Sunday, President Sheikh Khalifa sent his condolences to Mr Putin.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also expressed their sympathies.
The Russian Embassy in the UAE tweeted a tribute.
"The embassy deeply grieves over the death of the Russian Ambassador to the UAE, Sergi Kuznetsov," it said.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation also sent condolences.
In a statement published by Emirates news agency Wam, the ministry expressed appreciation for the ambassador’s “tireless efforts to strengthen the bonds of solidarity and friendship between the UAE and Russia during his tenure”, and for helping to promote the strategic partnership between the countries on many fronts in recent years.
Russia and the UAE have worked together in different fields over the years. In 2019, the first Emirati astronaut, Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, was sent to space on board a Russian Soyuz rocket.
Shortly afterwards Mr Putin visited Abu Dhabi, where he met Maj Al Mansouri and the two countries agreed on stronger collaboration in space.
The UAE also took part in the clinical trials of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine.
UAE-Russian relations - in pictures
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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bids farewell to Mr. Putin at the Presidential Airport. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
A cubic artwork showcasing Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Mr. Putin is displayed at the Presidential Airport. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed receives a gyrfalcon as a gift from Mr Putin. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Mr Putin exchange gifts during a state visit at Qasr Al Watan. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Mr Putin signs the guest book. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Mr Putin stand for a photograph with musicians during a state visit reception at Qasr Al Watan. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
UAE Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi presents a gift commemorating the UAE Space mission to Mr Putin. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Mr Putin and the Crown Prince meet Emirati astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi. Pawan Singh / The National -
Mohamed bin Zayed receives Russian President Vladimir Putin at Qasr Al Watan, commencing a state visit to the UAE. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Putin observe an honour guard at Qasr Al Watan. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Mr Putin at the airport and drove with him through the city to Qasr Al Watan. Pawan Singh / The National -
Al Fursan acrobatics squadron flies over Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi's presidential palace. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
The seven jets marking the seven emirates soar over the Corniche. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Mr Putin's limousine arrives at Qasr Al Watan. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Mr Putin and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed are signing a series of dealt to benefit both nations on Tuesday. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Members of the honour guard mark inside the palace. Pawan Singh / The National -
Mr. Putin and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed attend the official welcome ceremony in Abu Dhabi. Reuters -
The Russian president and the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince inspect a guard of honour. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Russian President and the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince inspect a guard of honour. Pawan Singh / The National -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Mr. Putin stand for a photograph during a state visit reception at Qasr Al Watan. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
The honour guard stands to attention at the palace. Pawan Singh / The National -
Senior Emirati dignitaries await the arrival of Mr Putin. Pawan Singh / The National -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr. Putin view a UAE-Russia investment exhibition presented by Mubadala at Qasr Al Watan. Seen with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, left. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
