The UAE has entered a period of mourning following the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the second President of the United Arab Emirates and 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi, who passed away at age 73 on Friday May 13. As part of the period of mourning, UAE workplaces and schools will be closed for three days.
The closure will apply to public and private sector workplaces. UAE schools and workplaces will be closed from Saturday May 14 to Monday May 16, and they will resume on Tuesday May 17, according to state-run news agency, WAM.
In a circular, The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi stated that “all music and entertainment events”, including fireworks and celebrations, were to be cancelled until further notice. Weddings are permitted, but without music.
Wondering about other events? According to the circular, theme parks, tourist attractions, culture sites and centres and libraries “remain open unless otherwise communicated”.
The Culture Summit Abu Dhabi 2022 was among those to have confirmed postponements.
Additionally, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced the start of official mourning for a period of 40 days, beginning Friday May 13, and flags will fly at half-mast.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed assumed the office of president in 2004 after his father, High Highness Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, passed away. Sheikh Zayed is the former President of the United Arab Emirates and the Founding Father. Sheikh Khalifa was elected in 2009 to a second five-year term to resume on Tuesday May 17.
Sheikh Khalifa is survived by his wife Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Suhail Al Mazrouei. He has eight children.
Sat May 14-Mon May 16.
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