Gulf Leaders Mourn Passing of UAE's Sheikh Khalifa

A UAE flag flies at half-mast with backdrop of Burj Khalifa (R) and Dubai buildings as a 40-day official mourning was announced after death of the United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Dubai, UAE, 13 May 2022. (EPA)
A UAE flag flies at half-mast with backdrop of Burj Khalifa (R) and Dubai buildings as a 40-day official mourning was announced after death of the United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Dubai, UAE, 13 May 2022. (EPA)
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Gulf Leaders Mourn Passing of UAE's Sheikh Khalifa

A UAE flag flies at half-mast with backdrop of Burj Khalifa (R) and Dubai buildings as a 40-day official mourning was announced after death of the United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Dubai, UAE, 13 May 2022. (EPA)
A UAE flag flies at half-mast with backdrop of Burj Khalifa (R) and Dubai buildings as a 40-day official mourning was announced after death of the United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Dubai, UAE, 13 May 2022. (EPA)

Gulf countries mourned on Friday the passing of United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Sabah offered their condolences on behalf of the Kuwaiti government and people to the UAE leadership, government and people.

Sheikh Nawaf declared an official state of mourning with the flag flown at half-staff for a period of 40 days, and to suspend work in government departments and bodies for three days, starting Friday.

The UAE announced Sheikh Khalifa's death on Friday.

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said mourned Sheikh Khalifa's death.

A statement by the Diwan of Royal Court said the Sultan of Oman expressed his heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership and people.

The Sultanate will observe a three-day mourning with flags to be flown at half-staff from Friday to Sunday.

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani mourned Sheikh Khalifa's passing.

He described him as a great and wise leader, who demonstrated moderation and dedicated his life to serving his country and nation.

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa mourned Sheikh Khalifa, offering his condolences to the UAE leadership and people.

The Royal Court announced that Bahrain will observe a three-day mourning with flags to be flown at half-staff.



Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s openness to international initiatives aimed at bringing peace to Sudan.
At the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, held in Djibouti, Al-Khuraiji discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis.
He mentioned that Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the United States, facilitated talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to the Jeddah Declaration on May 11, 2023, which aimed to protect civilians.
Al-Khuraiji also noted the continuation of talks with the involvement of the African Union and IGAD, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s support for African-led solutions.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to restoring stability in Sudan and urged all parties to act with wisdom, show restraint, and support positive initiatives.
Al-Khuraiji also met with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, on the sidelines of the consultative meeting.
In separate meetings, he also met with the UN Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, and US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello.
During these meetings, they reviewed the latest developments in Sudan, explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and discussed topics of mutual interest.
The Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) expressed support for international and regional meetings, hoping they would bring positive results to ease the suffering of the Sudanese people.
They urged the need that discussions focus on ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, protecting civilians, and achieving an immediate ceasefire.
Taqaddum highlighted the importance of international legal frameworks for civilian protection and safe passageways during the conflict.
They called on international and regional partners to quickly bring both sides back to negotiations, build on the Jeddah agreements, and secure a binding ceasefire with effective monitoring.
Taqaddum also stressed the need for a unified negotiation platform to achieve peace.