Middle Eastern rulers and royalties joined other world leaders in sending condolences to British King Charles III on Queen Elizabeth’s death.
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the nation’s figurehead for seven decades, died aged 96 on Thursday.
The UAE President and Vice-President were among the first to play tributes as the country mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President, called Queen Elizabeth a “close friend of the UAE” and added she was a “beloved and respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion and a tireless commitment to serving her country”.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said in a tweet: “We join the world in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, a global icon who represented the finest qualities of her nation and people. Her incredible lifetime of service and duty to the United Kingdom is unparalleled in our modern world.”
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Salman, also condoled the death.
Saudi news agency SPA reported the King as saying: “Her Majesty was a role model for leadership that will be immortalised in history.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a message to King Charles, said: “I am saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, who devoted her life to serve her country.
“Her Majesty was an example of wisdom, love and peace. The world remembers today the great impact and deeds that she had throughout her reign.
“I express to Your Majesty, the Royal Family and the friendly people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, wishing you permanent good health and safety, and that you may never see any unpleasant thing.”
Among her travels across the world, Queen Elizabeth had visited the UAE in 1979 and 2010.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum posted a smiling picture of the Queen on his official Instagram account and said: “Queen of love, wisdom and humanity. The world will miss you.”
My thoughts are with the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth as they mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth. A remarkable Queen, her reign spanned the past seven decades, a time of amazing turbulence and change. She stood unique as an icon of service and national duty
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, took to Twitter to post his message.
“My thoughts are with the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth as they mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth. A remarkable Queen, her reign spanned the past seven decades, a time of amazing turbulence and change. She stood unique as an icon of service and national duty,” said Sheikh Maktoum.
Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar, said: “Our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the British people over the death of Queen Elizabeth II. With her loss, the world has lost a great human symbol. She was a source of inspiration and nobility, and she had solid and constructive relations with Qatar that strengthened the bonds of friendship and partnership between our two peoples.”
Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad, tweeted: “Sincere condolences to the British Royal family and its friendly people on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The world lost a great symbol for humanity. During her busy career, she was a source of inspiration and nobility, and had solid and constructive ties with Qatar.”
Jordan’s King Abdullah tweeted from his official handle: “Jordan mourns the passing of an iconic leader. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades. She was a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend. We stand with the people and leadership of the UK at this difficult time.”
Jordan declared seven days of mourning.
In a message, Iraqi President Barham Salih said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. I extend profound condolences to the royal family and to the people of the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth will be remembered as a great icon of history who served with grace, dignity and fortitude.”
In a statement released to the media, Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, said: “I offer my extreme condolence, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Egyptian People, to the Royal Family, the British government and the people of the United Kingdom on the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled her country for several decades with great wisdom.
“I affirm that we are ready to work with King Charles to strengthen the relations between our two friendly countries and people.”
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik sent a message to King Charles III, saying: “I express my sincere condolences and sympathy to His Majesty, his family, and the friendly British people, reflecting on the merits of Her Late Majesty the Queen and her admirable status among the people of the world.”
Follow us on
