The United Arab Emirates’ long-ailing ruler, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has died on Friday (May 13). He was 73.
"The Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced official mourning and flags at half-mast for a period of 40 days, starting Friday," state news agency WAM said.
The news agency said that work will also be suspended in ministries, departments, federal and local institutions, and the private sector for three days.
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs declared official national mourning for the death of the president for 40 days from Friday. Flags will fly at half mast during this period.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan served as the president of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi since November 3, 2004.
Born in 1948, Sheikh Khalifa was the second President of the UAE and the 16th Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
