The United Arab Emirates’ long-ailing ruler, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has died aged 73
Khalifa, the president of the UAE, oversaw much of the country’s blistering economic growth
His name was immortalised on the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, after bailing out debt-crippled Dubai during its financial crisis more than a decade ago.
The UAE’s ministry of presidential affairs announced a 40-day period of mourning and a three-day suspension of work in all ministries and the private sector beginning on Friday
He had long ceased having involvement in the day-to-day affairs of ruling the country.
Khalifa, who has rarely been seen in official photos or at public events for years, succeeded his father, the UAE’s founder, Sheikh Zayed, in 2004.
Khalifa, the eldest son of the UAE’s first leader after the federation’s formation in 1971