President Irfaan Ali, in a letter to the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crowned Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has extended condolences on the passing of the President of the Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ).
Born on March 11, 1961, he died at 61-years-old. He served as President of the UAE from January 2014 where he controlled almost every aspect of UAE policymaking.
“The solemn tranquillity of Friday, 13th May 2022 was disturbed by the distressing news of the death of our dear brother,” Dr. Ali said as he observed the death occurred on the blessed day of Jumu’ah.
This, the Guyanese leader said, is testimony to the blessed life he lived.
Dr. Ali explained that while he was aware that His Highness was not in the best of health, his sudden passing came as a sad surprise.
“His Highness was a humble and generous man who sought the unity of the Muslim world and worked tirelessly to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the United Arab Emirates,” the letter noted.
Dr. Ali further noted that the death has wrested from the world an illustrious and iconic figure.
“On my own behalf and that of my Government and the people of Guyana, I express my deepest condolences to the grieving Government and people of the United Arab Emirates. Please accept, Your Highness, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
MBZ was the emir of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
He was seen as the driving force behind the UAE’s interventionist foreign policy and is a leader of the campaign against Islamist movement in the Arab world.
