Emirati Officials: Khalifa bin Zayed Dedicated his Life to Serve the Homeland

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed attends the GCC Summit in Kuwait in 2009. Reuters
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed attends the GCC Summit in Kuwait in 2009. Reuters
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Emirati Officials: Khalifa bin Zayed Dedicated his Life to Serve the Homeland

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed attends the GCC Summit in Kuwait in 2009. Reuters
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed attends the GCC Summit in Kuwait in 2009. Reuters

Emirati officials paid tribute to the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stressing that his tenure, which began in 2004, saw great humanitarian, educational, and developmental achievements.

Dr. Anwar Gargash, Advisor to the President of the UAE for Political Affairs, said that the UAE and the world have lost a wise leader loyal to his people and his nation, who dedicated his life to serve the Emirates and raise its prestige.

Mohammed Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the country has lost an outstanding president loyal to his people and country.

“He was the leader of the UAE’s development process and followed in the footsteps of his late father, Sheikh Zayed. He devoted his life to his people and his state, dedicated his time to society and raised it, and consolidated the foundations of the union,” he said.

For her part, Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Governmental Development and the Future, said that the Emirates has lost, with the passing away of Sheikh Khalifa, “an outstanding leader, a caring father, and a man of honor.”

Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence mourned the death of Sheikh Khalifa, describing him as “a man of great achievements and contributions.”

In turn, Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, expressed his deep sorrow, noting that the late UAE president was “a father and a leader,” who elevated the nation and achieved its progress and renaissance, thanks to his wisdom, generosity and love for his people.

He added that the UAE, under Sheikh Khalifa’s tenure, saw extraordinary humanitarian, educational and economic achievements, which have strengthened the nation’s global presence and status.



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.