Kamala Harris to travel to UAE to offer condolences on death of Sheikh Khalifa

US Vice President will be joined by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken when she meets President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, says the White House

US Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit the UAE with condolences on the death of Sheikh Khalifa, the White House says. AFP

US Vice President Kamala Harris and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to the UAE on Monday to offer condolences on behalf of the administration on the death of President Sheikh Khalifa, who passed away on Friday.

Ms Harris will meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, a statement from the White House said.

“In addition to honouring the memory and the legacy of Sheikh Khalifa, the vice president will underscore the strength of the partnership between our countries and our desire to further deepen our ties in the coming months and years,” the White House said.

On Friday, US President Joe Biden said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the death of Sheikh Khalifa.

“Sheikh Khalifa was a true partner and friend of the United States throughout his decades-long tenure as President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and in his earlier role as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi,” Mr Biden said in a statement.

Mr Biden also congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on being elected President of the UAE.

“Sheikh Mohamed, whom I met with several times as vice president when he was the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has long been at the forefront of building this partnership,” he said.

“I look forward to working with Sheikh Mohamed to build from this extraordinary foundation to further strengthen the bonds between our countries and peoples.”

Joe Biden's Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who will be with Ms Harris, on Saturday called Sheikh Mohamed a "valued friend of the US".

"We warmly congratulate His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on assuming the role of President of the United Arab Emirates after succeeding our steadfast friend His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.," he said in a statement.

"During his time as Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has been an important partner and valued friend of the US. We look forward to working closely together to build on the extraordinary partnership between the US and the UAE that grew under His Highness Sheikh Khalifa’s presidency, and continuing our dialogue to advance a more peaceful and secure region and world.

"We wish the people of the UAE continued prosperity and advancement under His Highness Sheikh Mohamed’s leadership."

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders are also travelling to the UAE to offer their condolences.

Sheikh Khalifa remembered in pictures

Nasser Al Nowais, chairman of the Rotana Hotel Group, with the late President, Sheikh Khalifa. 'He cared about the well-being of people not only in the UAE, but all over the world,' says Mr Al Nowais. Photo: Nasser Al Nowais

Sheikh Khalifa in Dubai in 1971. Magnum Photos

An undated photo of Sheikh Khalifa. Wam

A young Sheikh Khalifa (seated). Wam

UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his son Sheikh Khalifa watch a military parade in 1978. Photo: Al Ittihad

Sheikh Khalifa. Wam

Sheikh Zayed, centre, and Sheikh Khalifa seated to his right. Wam

Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Khalifa. Wam

Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Khalifa. Photo: Al Ittihad

Sheikh Zayed inspects plans for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with his sons Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Sultan. Photo: Al Ittihad

Sheikh Khalifa, left, greets Jordan's King Abdullah in Abu Dhabi on May 16, 2000. Wam

Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed. Wam

Sheikh Khalifa performs Umrah. Wam

Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Wam

An image of Sheikh Khalifa is projected on to a building in Abu Dhabi. Antonie Robertson / The National

President, Sheikh Mohamed, left, with Sheikh Khalifa in 2009. Philip Cheung / The National

Sheikh Khalifa watches the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on November 1, 2009, with Nursultan Nazarbayev, president of Kazakhstan, and Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman. Ryan Carter / The National

Sheikh Khalifa attends National Day celebrations at Zayed Sports Stadium on December 2, 2011. Philip Cheung / Crown Prince Court

The UAE football team meet with Sheikh Khalifa on Saturday, January 19, 2012, after their 2-1 victory over Iraq in the Gulf Cup final in Bahrain. Wam

Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip with Sheikh Khalifa at Windsor Castle, England, on April 30, 2013. Reuters

Sheikh Khalifa. Wam

Sheikh Khalifa with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Wam

Sheikh Khalifa at Al Bateen Palace, Abu Dhabi. Wam