UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed has died at age 73

The President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, passed away on Friday May 13, 2022, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced. In this 2013 photo, he is greeted by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh on the Royal Dais on April 30, 2013 in Windsor, England.

State news agencies in the United Arab Emirates said that the president had passed away.

The Gulf country has had two presidents since 2004. He is credited with helping the country through the financial crisis and bringing it to global prominence.

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs condoles the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, according to a statement from state news agency WAM.

The news agency reported that the Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced that the country will observe a forty-day state mourning with the flag flown at half-mast and suspend work for three days.

Sheikh Khalifa has not been seen in public since he had a stroke and underwent surgery. His role became ceremonial and his brother, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, has been seen as the country's de-facto ruler.

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