Sheikh Zayed has died

[Dishy-Dosh]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apmideast_story.asp?category=1107&slug=Emirates%20President%20Dies

Report: UAE president Sheik Zayed dies

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- The president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has died, according to Abu Dhabi TV. He was 86.

Sheik Zayed, who has been absolute ruler of the United Arab Emirates for more than 30 years, had been ailing for several years and did not attend Arab summits. He had a kidney transplant in August 2000.

His eldest son, Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has been heir apparent since his father named him in 1969 crown prince of Abu Dhabi, the capital and richest of the seven emirates.

Abu Dhabi TV interrupted regular broadcasting to break the news of Sheik Zayed's death, but no cause of death was provided. The announcement was followed by an Islamic cleric appearing on TV reading verses from the Quran.

Sheik Zayed, ruler of Abu Dhbai since 1966, was the founding leader of the United Arab Emirates, which he had ruled since the seven emirates forged a union and took independence from Britain in 1971. He has watched over the Emirates' development from a cluster of desert provinces ruled by Arab tribes to a world-leading financial and banking center.

[Joe Monsoon]

What Loos He was good man

[sonic340]

When they cut TV programes & put the Holy Book (Qur'an)on Tv I know someone died, but didn't expect Shiekh Zayed.

He was born in the year 1914 so he's 90 years old.

[desert_knight]

A great shame, he will be very much missed by his people.:(

Sonic340:

From the BBC website
Sheikh Zayed was born in Abu Dhabi around 1918 although the exact date is unknown.

I know someone died, but didn't expect Shiekh Zayed.

Didn't expect it, have you been away? It's been the Buzz around Dubai for the last two weeks.

[mini cooper]

Checked on Gulf News they said he was born in 1918, died 2004 = 86!!!

Sad loss

Any update on length of mourning period / how long schools will be closed? Unfortunately my arabic is non-exsistent and I haven't been able to decipher anything from the radio.

[Fox3snapshot]

As I write the Mosques ring out in constant prayer, it certainly is a sad day for the Nation.

The atmosphere is certainly one of true loss throughout all diversities of the UAE local and expatriate community.

:(

[Coastrider26]

Heard the rumour that shops and gasstations might be clossed for a couple of days does somebody now about ettiquetes around a formal mourning?

[BahrainLad]

With regards, to etiquette, I'd suggest you use your own judgement. Be reflective, considerate and reserved in the days ahead. I suspect the iftar will be more subdued for example.

I imagine that the ceremonies at the majilis will be restricted to ruling family/tribal/business leaders, however, the presence of expatriates at these gatherings is not uncommon and very highly regarded.

[sonic340]

Didn't expect it, have you been away? It's been the Buzz around Dubai for the last two weeks.

I don't live in the U.A.E. and Also I'm not Asian...

al-Jazeera said HRH was born in the year 1914.

[Left Coaster]

Apparently schools closed for a much as one week, the phone call came early this AM but no "official" notice. Our sincere condolences to the people of the UAE for their loss...

[Fox3snapshot]

I think most of the private sector will close until Saturday but the Government may be right up to the end of Eid as some sections have already been stood down for that period, it may not apply to all. The bank machines nearby have run out of cash I guess for the fear of no banking for up to a week, stocked up on the essentials though as all indications were that things were not looking good.
:ugh:

[Engineer]

Did I not see on a previous thread that he had died a month ago were the people in the know just waiting to announce his death in the midst of the holy month of ramadan:p

[Fox3snapshot]

Not the case I can assure you he was in a coma and recovered but was still very ill, and as with Islamic tradition they must be buried as soon as possible.

Nothing to grin at by the way.
:hmm:

[Eddie_699]

Late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan - Bless Him - was born in 1918 and he died at the age of 86 and was ruling the United Arab Emirates for 33 years.

We have lost ONE of Great Arab Leaders of-the-time. He is surely a loss to all people of the World who like to do good onto others.

This is a moment of SADNESS to OMAN as a nation, My country.

all of Arab Nation and Islamic Nation really lost agreat man..

His warmth as a father was felt across the globe. O` GOD grant him eternal peace - Amin.

Bless you Sheikh Zayed and we all going to miss you.... You are more than a father to us...........:(

May his soul rest in peace.......Amin

Eddie

[homesick rae]

A great man indeed.

In the early days at EK he and his entourage utilised the A310 for a trip to London, which I was fortunate to be operating on.

Treated each like his own and a very gentle person.

He will be missed.

[Jango]

Official mourning is private sector 3 days, government offices 7 days. UAE government offices will now be closed thru to 20 Nov as the Eid holiday after ramadan starts 13 Nov to 19 Nov.

He died on the 23rd day of ramadan, which I am told, is the holiest of days in the fasting month.

[Dr. Evil]

He died on the 23rd day of ramadan

No not true! Tuesday the 2nd November is Ramadan 19