Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan died on Friday at age 73, according to the state-run Emirates News Agency. No cause of death was shared. Sheikh Khalifa, the president of the United Arab Emirates since 2004, was widely considered one of the world's richest monarchs.
"The Ministry of Presidential Affairs has mourned to the UAE people, Arab and Islamic nations and the world the death of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who passed away on Friday, 13th May, 2022," Emirates News Agency (WAM) said on Twitter.
WAM added his funeral will begin Saturday and last three days, and there will be 40 official days of mourning.
Sheikh Khalifa had a stroke in 2014 and had stepped back from public duties in recent years. His half-brother, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nayhan, stepped in to handle day-to-day affairs. Mohammed is widely expected to succeed Sheikh Khalifa as president of the UAE.
"The Emirates has lost its virtuous son and leader of the ‘stage of empowerment’ and the trustee of its blessed journey,” Mohamed bin Zayed tweeted on Friday. "His stances, achievements, wisdom, generosity and initiatives are in every corner of the nation..."
Forbes estimated the Al Nahyan royal family is worth around $150 billion, and Sheikh Khalifa's personal wealth at $19 billion, making him one of the world's wealthiest monarchs. He was the eldest son of UAE's founder, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan, and was the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Condolences have poured in from royals and government officials around the world.
In a statement, Queen Elizabeth wrote to his brother with her condolences: "I am saddened to hear of the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Your distinguished brother devoted his life to serving the people of the United Arab Emirates and his relationship with its allies and friends."
She continued, "He will be long remembered by all who work for regional stability, understanding between nations and between faiths, and for the conservation cause. I offer Your Highness my sincere condolences and I extend my sympathy to the people of the United Arab Emirates."
The Queen and Sheikh Khalifa have met on two occasions; once when she visited the UAE in 2010, and once when he visited the UK in 2013.
Jordan's King Abdullah II wrote in a tweet, "We have lost a dear brother and an outstanding leader who inherited wisdom from his late great father Sheikh Zayed and dedicated his life to serving his country and the Arab and Islamic nations. We offer our condolences to our people in the UAE for this great loss."
"We deeply valued his support in building the extraordinary partnership our countries enjoy today. We mourn his passing, honor his legacy, and remain committed to our steadfast friendship and cooperation with the United Arab Emirates," U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said in a statement.
According to the Associated Press, Sheikh Khalifa is known to have eight children with his first wife, Sheikha Shamsa bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, and is survived by several grandchildren.
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
