DUBAI // Leaders from the UAE and around the world have pass-ed their condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, over the death of his eldest son.
“Today, I lost a best friend and a childhood companion, my dear brother Rashid,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, who posted a prayer for his brother on social media. “You will be missed.”
The President, Sheikh Khalifa, expressed his heartfelt condolences and solace to Sheikh Mohammed.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also mourned the death of Sheikh Rashid, expressing condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and his family.
The President declared three days of mourning across the UAE, with flags at government departments and institutions to fly at half mast.
But work is to continue as usual and schools will remain open, authorities have said, while three Arabian Gulf League matches were postponed until tomorrow.
And all Abu Dhabi Media television and radio stations stop all programmes apart from holy Quran recitals and news, for one day, until 12 noon Sunday, in line with the announcement of the official mourning.
Condolences poured in yesterday from UAE and world leaders, institutions and officials, including the Federal National Council and the emirates’ Ruler’s Courts.
Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, expressed her sympathies to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and the rest of the family.
The UAE has lost a noble man who honoured the country, and whose great achievements have contributed to raising his country’s name high and placing it on the world sports map, Sheikha Lubna said.
“Today we have lost a son and a brother,” she said. “No words are enough to describe his virtues. May God Almighty rest his soul in peace.”
Dr Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health, expressed his profound sorrow and said Sheikh Rashid was a noble rider who had achieved much for the country.
Dr Al Owais prayed for patience and solace for Sheikh Rashid’s relatives and that Almighty Allah rest his soul in eternal peace.
Also offering condolences was Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the National Media Council board.
“The UAE today lost a unique personality,” he said, referring to Sheikh Rashid’s contributions to cultural and sports events, as well as his significant role in promoting football through Ramadan tournaments in which he would participate.
Maj Gen Khamis Al Muzeina, chief of Dubai Police, said: “The loss of Sheikh Rashid is a loss to the nation, who lost a benevolent equestrian with a reputable line of achievements that includes benevolent acts and sound policies. He was an ambassador to Dubai’s generosity.”
Among the world leaders who offered their condolences were Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El Sisi, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah II of Jordan, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Sultan Qaboos of Oman, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, emir of Qatar, and Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, emir of Kuwait.
Muhammad Imran, Bangladeshi ambassador to the UAE, said his country’s government had decided to lower its flag to half mast at the embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai.
Bishop Paul Hinder, the Catholic Church Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, also offered prayers for the Maktoum family.
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