Abu Dhabi (Gulf Inside) UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zaid Passed Away at the age of 73. According to Arab News, the UAE government has declared 40 days of mourning for Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, passed away on Friday, May 13, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced.

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs extends its condolences to the United Arab Emirates, the Arab and Islamic nation and the people of the world on the demise of His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

His half-brother Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan is now in charge of state affairs.

The Al Nahyan family is thought to have a net worth of $ 150bn (£ 123bn).

As well as being the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa was also the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the oil-rich capital of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates.

His death was reported by the state-run WAM news agency.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan served as President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi since November 3, 2004.

He was elected to succeed his father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who served as the first president of the UAE since the Union in 1971, until his death on November 2, 2004.

Born in 1948, Sheikh Khalifa was the second president of the United Arab Emirates and the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi.

He was the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed.

Since becoming president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa has chaired a major restructuring of both the federal government and the Abu Dhabi government.

Under his rule, the UAE has seen rapid growth that has ensured a dignified life for those who call the country home.

After being elected President, Sheikh Khalifa launched his first strategic plan for the UAE government to achieve balanced and sustainable development, with a focus on the well-being of UAE citizens and residents.

As President of the United Arab Emirates, his main goal was to follow in the footsteps of his father, Sheikh Zayed, whose legacy, he said, would guide us into the future, a prosperous future where security and stability prevailed. There will be rule. ”

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced 40 days of mourning with flags from Friday and suspended work in the public and private sectors for the first three days.

Sheikh Khalifa took over as the second president of the United Arab Emirates in November 2004 and replaced his father as the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi.

In the first decade of his rule, he presided over a major reorganization of both the federal government and Abu Dhabi.

Under the UAE constitution, Dubai’s ruling vice president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, will serve as interim president.

The federal council, which brings together the rulers of the seven emirates, must meet within 30 days to elect a new president.