Dubai: A UAE national man refused to watch the heartbreaking funeral and burial of the late Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum because until now, he has not recovered from the sad demise of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nah-yan.
Jamal Eisa Salem, 35, told Gulf News that Shaikh Maktoum's death is a big loss for the country.
Ahmad Al Qubaisi, 32, said it is a sad feeling and Shaikh Maktoum's death was a shock to everyone.
"I went to his funeral and sadness blanketed the whole place and everyone there, especially Dubai residents. May God bless our new Ruler," Al Qubaisi said.
Ahmad Mehair Mishar, 29, did not believe the news of Shaikh Maktoum's death and thought it was a rumour.
"His death is a big thing. It is like the death of a father. I do not think there is anyone in the UAE who did not love and admire Shaikh Maktoum," he added.
Khulood Abdullah, 30, said it is not easy for the people of the UAE to accept the fact that we have lost two of our country's great leaders in a short period of time.
"First, it was Shaikh Zay-ed whose loss is like a deep wound in our hearts. Now, it is Shaikh Maktoum whose contribution to Dubai specifically and the UAE generally are unforgettable," Khulood said.
Meera Al Muhairi, a TV presenter, said sadness and grief for Shaikh Maktoum's death is covering the whole city.
"The entire atmosphere of Dubai reflects the sadness of its people. The New Year came and took one of our most precious personalities. Our hope is in our new leader Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum," she added.
Mai Mohammad, media relations officer at Dubai Media City, said, "Shaikh Maktoum's death is a real tragedy. He is a great loss for the people in the Arabic and Islamic world."
