UAE president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, accepted on Saturday the condolences of the UAE rulers following the death of Sheikh Khalifa. Sheikh Mohamed was visited by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and the other rulers at Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi. 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, were also among those who offered condolences. The rulers expressed sincere condolences and sympathy to the sons of Sheikh Khalifa, the Al Nahyan family and the people of the UAE. Also present to offer condolences were Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; Sheikh Rashid bin Saud Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain; Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mualla, Deputy Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah. Condolences were also offered by a number of sheikhs, ministers, senior civil and military officials, and citizens and residents. The reception follows the funeral of Sheikh Khalifa on Friday night. Sheikh Mohamed led prayers at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi. The UAE is in mourning for 40 days following the death of Sheikh Khalifa, with government and private sector offices closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Schools will be closed on Monday. Public and private sector employees will return to work on Tuesday. Restaurants and malls will remain open but there will be no live entertainment or music as a mark of respect. — SG
