Qatari newspapers dedicated extensive coverage to the demise of Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and grief was expressed by the Qatari residents and leadership.
In a statement issued by the Emiri Diwan, His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani mourned the death of Shaikh Maktoum. "We received the news of the death of Shaikh Maktoum who devoted his life for serving his country. May the Almighty God have mercy upon him, make paradise his abode, reward him and grant his family and the UAE people solace and fortitude."
The UAE embassy, located in the West Bay diplomatic area here, lowered the UAE flag to half-mast as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
All local papers dedicated their front pages to the news. The Arabic papers also had detailed coverage about UAE's past history, the figure of Shaikh Maktoum and his achievements with long reports in the inside pages.
"The news that Shaikh Maktoum has passed away has been received with shock by both Qatari nationals and expatriates, especially those who had lived in the emirate before," said the daily Peninsula.
The paper said UAE nationals were seen outside their embassy, apparently to gather more news about Shaikh Maktoum. Local TV and radio stations also interrupted programmes to air the news.
Oman
Omani newspapers dedicated their front pages to the news of Shaikh Maktoum's death.
Leading Arabic daily Al Watan devoted a full page. The paper called Shaikh Maktoum's death a loss of a historic leader not only for the UAE, but also for the Arab world. "He was a good leader and his policies helped to develop Dubai as a big business centre," the paper said.
The highest circulated Arabic paper also praised Shaikh Maktoum's contribution in making the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) a successful body.
The government-owned Arabic daily Oman said the visionary leader had transformed Dubai into a modern thriving city.
The widely read Arabic daily also praised Shaikh Maktoum's contribution in giving the Arab world a competitive edge in the world of horse racing.
"He not only started the world's richest horse race but also made the Arab racing world a force to reckon with," the paper said.
The Omani press also reflected the sadness of the residents over the demise of Shaikh Maktoum and carried condolence messages sent by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed of Oman to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of UAE, expressing deep distress at the great loss of an Arab leader.
Sultan Qaboos in his condolence message expressed sympathy to Shaikh Khalifa on the demise of Shaikh Maktoum.
All three English dailies carried the news on the front pages with photographs of Shaikh Maktoum and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. All the publications also praised Shaikh Maktoum's contribution to horse racing.
United States
George W. Bush, President of the United States, expressed his deep sadness over the death of Shaikh Maktoum. In a statement issued yesterday, he described the deceased as a friend and an ally of the US and a generous contributor to all human causes all over the world.
President Bush offered his condolences to the government and people of the UAE and to the Al Maktoum family, saying his country looks forward to working with Shaikh Mohammad, to cement ties with Dubai.
Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin said: "It was with great sadness that I learned of the sudden passing of Shaikh Maktoum. On behalf of all Canadians, I extend our deepest condolences to his family,
to the governments and people
of the UAE.
"During the 15-year reign of Shaikh Maktoum, the UAE experienced a remarkable period of increased prosperity and development. We have seen Dubai transformed into a world-class trade, transportation and tourism centre."
