Dubai: Rulers of the emirates yesterday expressed their sorrow at the death of Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Court of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Sup-reme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah expressed its sorrow at Shaikh Maktoum?s death.
A statement issued by the court said: ?Shaikh Maktoum had passed away after living a life full of honourable positions and views and dedication and devotion to the service of his country, people and his Arab-Muslim nation.?
The Court of His Highness Shaikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain issued a statement which said: ?With the heart of true believers, patience and deep sorrow, the Umm Al Quwain Ruler?s Court mourns the death of Shaikh Maktoum.?
The Court of His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Sup-reme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, also expressed similar sentiments and sorrow at Shaikh Maktoum?s death. It said the Fujairah Ruler?s Court mourned the death of Shaikh Maktoum.
The court of His Highness Shaikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, expressed sorrow at the death Shaikh Maktoum.
?With deep sorrow, the Ras Al Khaimah Ruler's court mourns the death of Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who passed away early yesterday,? a statement from the Court said.
Flags, the Court announced, would fly at half mast for 40 days.
Deep sorrow
The court of His Highness Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman also expressed its sorrow at the death of Shaikh Maktoum.
?With hearts full of sorrow and belief in the will of Almighty Allah, the Ajman Ruler's Court mourns the death of Shaikh Maktoum, who passed away yesterday," a statement from the court said.
The court announced flags would fly at half mast.
Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah yesterday expressed sadness at the death of Shaikh Maktoum.
?It is a great loss to the UAE. Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum was one of the loyal sons of UAE who made a tremendous contribution to the building of modern UAE,? said Shaikh Sultan.
He said Shaikh Maktoum dedicated his life to his country and his people and that his deeds will always be remembered as a lasting legacy.
He offered his condolence to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance and Industry, the Al Maktoum family and to the leadership and people of the UAE.
In Abu Dhabi, Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, expressed sorrow at the death of Shaikh Maktoum.
True aide
Shaikh Saif said in a statement that he had received the news of Shaikh Maktoum?s death with deep sadness, adding that ?Shaikh Maktoum was a true aide and partner of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan throughout the long march of building the federation and its achievements.?
Shaikh Saif offered his sincere condolences to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Their Highnesses, the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, the brothers of the late Shaikh Maktoum, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, and Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and to other members of Al Maktoum family.
Pledge
?We pledge to the deceased that we will remain loyal to the path which he and other founding leaders of the emirates set in motion when he became the UAE?s first Prime Minister,? said Shaikh Saif.
Shaikh Omar Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President?s aide de camp yesterday mourned the death of Shaikh Maktoum.
?Our country has lost a great builder who was an example of patriotic commitment and a generous contribution to the development of our country,? said Shaikh Omar.
