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 Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.