The Government and people of Pakistan have received the news about the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, with a deep sense of grief and sorrow.
Being the eldest son, he was elected to succeed his father, the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who served as the UAE’s first president since the union in 1971 until he passed away on November 2, 2004. Born in 1948, he was the second President of the UAE and the 16th Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
With his departure, the UAE has lost a visionary leader, and the people of Pakistan a sincere friend. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa played a key role in the development and modernization of the UAE. His leadership and vision were pivotal to the UAE’s emergence as a major economic powerhouse. History will remember His Highness for his sterling contributions to humanitarian affairs and towards promoting peace.
Since becoming the president of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa has presided over a major restructuring of both the Federal Government and the government of Abu Dhabi. Under his reign, the UAE has witnessed an accelerated development that ensured decent living for the people calling the country home. After being elected as the President, Sheikh Khalifa launched his first strategic plan for the UAE government to achieve balanced and sustainable development, placing the prosperity of UAE citizens and residents at the core. His key objective as the president of the UAE was to continue on the path laid down by his father Sheikh Zayed, whose legacy, he said “will continue to be the beacon guiding us into the future, a prosperous future where security and stability will reign.”
Sheikh Khalifa steered the development of the oil and gas sector and the downstream industries that have contributed successfully to the country’s economic diversification. He undertook extensive tours throughout the UAE to study the needs of the Northern Emirates, during which he gave instructions for the building of a number of projects related to housing, education, and social services.
In addition, he launched an initiative to evolve the nomination system for members of the Federal National Council, which was seen as a first step towards the establishment of direct elections in the UAE.
The Pakistan-UAE relationship achieved new levels under his dynamic leadership. The people of Pakistan will always remember His Highness Sheikh Khalifa for his generosity and support during difficult times. In this hour of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with the Al-Nahyan family and the Emirati brethren. May Allah grant them the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
In solidarity with the brotherly people of UAE, the Government of Pakistan has announced three days of national mourning from 13-15 May 2022. The National Flag shall also fly at half-mast during the mourning period.
His passing away was mourned in various countries, including many Muslim nations and regional countries. Almost all leading leaders of the global community have expressed condolences. The gap created due to his departure will be felt in the days to come. He was a very kind and human-loving personality. His love for global peace and stability will be remembered forever. UAE will mourn for forty days officially, but, people may remember him for a long. His role in Ummah was highly appreciated and recognized very well and will keep him remembered forever.
A great tribute to His Highness, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
A great loss of a good human being and visionary leader for UAE brothers.