Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed. File

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

WE surely belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.  On Friday, the whole world mourned the sad demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE. (May his departed soul Rest in Peace).  He oversaw much of the country’s economic growth, and his key objectives as the president of the UAE was to continue on the path laid down by his father Sheikh Zayed, whose legacy will continue to be the beacon guiding into the future, a prosperous future where security and stability will reign.

He was a great visionary leader who led the UAE to be one of the most prosperous countries in the world.

A cross-section of foreign diplomats, business heavyweights and scholars spoke with Gulf Today, who paid rich tributes and prayed for the departed soul of the legendary Ruler.

Patrick Moody, UK Ambassador to the UAE, said: I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al Nahyan.  On behalf of the British Government and British people I would like to express our most heartfelt condolences.  His Highness’ resolve and devotion to his country will continue to be an example of strong leadership and compassion.  Our prayers and sympathies are with all the people of the United Arab Emirates at this time of national mourning.

Afzaal Mahmood, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, said: The Embassy of Pakistan expresses its heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. He was well-wisher & a sincere friend of Pakistan. In this hour of extreme grief, the Pakistani community in the UAE stands with their UAE brethren. May Almighty Allah rest his soul in eternal peace and give the bereaved leadership and people of the UAE the courage to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude.

Hassan Afzal Khan, Consul General Pakistan to Dubai and Northern Emirates, said: Our deepest condolences on the sad demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Royal family and the people of UAE.  Pakistani community in UAE stands with their UAE brethren in this hour of grief.

Ahmad Shaikhani, President Pakistan Business Council Dubai, said:  On behalf of Pakistan Business Council in Dubai we offer our sincerest condolences to the nation’s leadership and the people of the UAE following the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. He was a great visionary leader. His unparalleled leadership has guided the UAE towards countless opportunities and achievements. May Allah grant his departed soul the highest place in Janat Ul Ferdos.

Javed Malik, Former Ambassador  & Pakistan’s Special Envoy in the GCC, said:  His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was one of the most gracious and affectionate leaders I have ever met.  He was greatly loved and admired by the Pakistani community in UAE as well as by millions of Pakistanis inside the country who saw him as a father figure. Under his leadership the relations between both countries continued to grow in an upward trajectory the numerous welfare projects initiated under his directives stand tall as a great symbol for his gracious love for the country and its people.

Today, the entire Pakistani nation mourns the loss of the great Sheikh Khalifa as we express our deepest condolences to the PM, the Crown Princes, Rulers, and the people of UAE

Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare, said: We are deeply saddened by the demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE.  He was a visionary leader who led the UAE to be one among the most prosperous countries in the region.  His Highness Sheikh Khalifa was a people’s person and his love for the people of his country, both the citizens and expatriates has been legendary. He was silently effective in creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony among the multiple nationalities living here. Our deepest condolence to the members of the Royal family and the Supreme Council. His teachings will be an inspiration for the generations to come and he will continue to be our guiding light. May God bless his soul.

Dr. Mostafa Al Guezeri, Managing Director, Hitachi Energy, said: This is unfortunate news as the nation mourns the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE. This country has become a shining example of progress and innovation for the world and it is all thanks to the wisdom and vision of its leader. The world mourns and our deepest condolences to the family, citizens and expatriates of the UAE at this difficult time.

Rizwan Sajan,  Chairman and Founder Danube Group, said:  The UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan passed away this morning.

We at Danube Group pray that his soul rests in peace, he was a visionary and embraced sustainable development as a guiding methodology to build up a modern nation that derives its human, socio-economic, and cultural clout from robust constitutional, organisational and structural tenets.

He oversaw much of the country’s economic growth, and his key objectives as the president of the UAE was to continue on the path laid down by his father Sheikh Zayed, whose legacy, he said, “will continue to be the beacon guiding us into the future, a prosperous future where security and stability will reign.”

We ask God, the Highest, the Almighty to shower His mercy... We belong to God and to Him, we shall return.”

Bilal Moti, Chairman, Windmills Group, said: It is truly a sad day for the nation. Today we lost an astute leader.

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has strategically led the country with magnificent developments in the national policies and regulations framework, economy, infrastructure, armed forces, investment management and social services, to name the few of many, to upgrade the quality of lives and businesses of citizens and residents of the country. He has undoubtedly steered and elevated UAE to the highest international league. May Allah grant his departed soul the highest rank in Janat Ul Ferdos.  (Ameen)

Ayman Ashor, Cluster General Manager, Al Bandar Rotana and Arjaan by Rotana, said: We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the President His Highness  Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan passing today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of UAE. May Allah grant his departed soul the highest rank in Paradise.

Khalid Hussain Chaudhry, President, Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah, said:  I express my deepest condolences on the sorrowful demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the esteemed Al Nahyan family, Their Highnesses the Rulers of all Emirates, and the people of UAE.

During his reign, UAE witnessed an era of unprecedented growth, development and prosperity across the board. We hope and pray that the people of UAE find the courage and strength to endure this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace (Ameen)

Bharat Bhatia, CEO, Conares, said: Today we lost an important pillar of the UAE society. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, was an inspiration to all residents of this country and his courageous leadership took this country to unimaginable heights. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Zayed family, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai and the entire people of the UAE.

Ali Shabdar, MEA Regional Director, Zoho Corp, said: Today, the country and the world lost a kind and inspiring leader who carried on the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and left us with a great legacy of his own. We offer our sincere condolences to the great nation of UAE, the Royal Family, and everyone who loved and respected Sheikh Khalifa deeply. He will be greatly missed.”

Lalu Samuel, Chairman of Kingston Holdings Group, said: It is with sorrow and deep sadness that we learnt about the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His death was truly a shock for the entire nation. Sheikh Khalifa was much loved by his people and everyone in the UAE. He has been a great symbol and one of the cornerstones of the UAE’s renaissance. He was a great leader who dedicated his whole life to making the UAE one of the best countries in the world.

Abdul Jebbar P.B., Group Managing Director, Hotpack Global, said:  The UAE has suffered a great loss today with the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.  Throughout his tenure, he has been one of the most loyal and devoted leaders this country has seen and his absence will be felt for a long time.”  

Sameer K Mohamed, MD, Jaleel Holdings, said:  His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, will forever live on in the memories of every person that has been fortunate enough to witness his brilliant leadership. He was a true visionary that led this country to great heights and will go down in history as one of the greatest leaders the people of the UAE have ever seen.”

Saleh N Alsorayai, Chairman, SNASCO Investments, said: We offer our sincerest condolences to the nation’s leadership and the people of the UAE following the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. May his soul rest in peace.

Naseer S Alsorayai, CEO, Oakberry, said: Our heartfelt condolences to the Ruling family and the people of UAE over the sad demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. May Allah grant his departed soul the highest rank in Jannat.,

Masood Ahmed, Managing Director, Al Mashaher Medical Centre, said:  With great sadness, I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Royal families of all the Emirates, the Emaratis and the Residents for the untimely death of President of United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan who led one of the most Competent and Ingenious Governments in the World. Not just UAE, but the world has lost a powerful force for peace, human rights and women’s empowerment. This significant loss will be deeply mourned by all, but the memory of his brilliant and self-effacing leadership will always remain a source of inspiration and encouragement to all his countrymen, expatriates, and entire World, alike. We pray that his soul to rest in the highest level of Paradise by the grace of Almighty Allah.

Yousuf Fakhruddin, CEO , Fakhruddin properties, said: It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing away of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He was a visionary leader for the United Arab Emirates, and his loss will be deeply felt by the nation. President Sheikh Khalifa was known for his dedication to his country and its people, and he will be remembered as a great leader who made a lasting contribution to the UAE. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Shahid N Khan, CEO, Al Islami Foods, said: Deeply grieved to hear about sad demise of  President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahiyan.

May Allah rest the departed soul in eternal peace and give strength to the nation to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude and perseverance. Ameen

Amol Vaidya, Senior Director Operations, Global Indian International School, Dubai, said: We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. He was a great leader and a true friend of education. He was a strong advocate for investing in education and ensuring that every child in the UAE had access to quality schooling. Under his leadership, the UAE made tremendous progress in improving its educational system and providing opportunities for all residents to succeed. His vision for the future helped make the UAE one of the most progressive and prosperous nations in the world.

Roberto d’Ambrosio, CEO, Axiory Global, said: We were struck today by the sad news of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

His life, leadership and achievements have been essential to make of the UAE a world leading country in so many ways. His dedication to his country and the wellbeing of all its nationals and residents falls well beyond his role, showing his true dedication, and during his tenure, following the footstep of his late father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE flourished leading the way for all the GCC region and beyond.

His example and legacy will continue to shape the future in UAE for many years to come.

I present my deepest sympathies to the family and to all of the UAE, which is mourning one of its his brightest sons.

Anjali Samuel , Managing partner, Mindfield Resources, said: The entire nation mourns the death of its beloved President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. Sheikh Khalifa was a great leader. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May Allah grant them strength and comfort during this difficult time.

Khalil Ur Rehman Buneri, Managing Director, Atlas Transport Fujairah:  I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. He was a great  visionary leader. May Allah grant his depart soul the highest place in Janat Ul Ferdos .

Rizwan Shaikhani, Chairman, Rubber World Industries, said. I was deeply saddened over the sad demise of of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He was a great Ruler.  May Allah rest the departed soul in eternal peace. (Ameen).

Mona Faraj, Co-Founder, ExploreTECH, said: We express our deep sorrow at the passing of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.  May his departed soul rest in eternal peace.

Isablel Tapp, Founder of AllDetails , said: “Our hearts are heavy with sympathy on the passing of the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin  Zayed.  May Allah grant him eternal rest in peace.”  

Farah Al-Obaidi, PR Account Manager, AllDetails: We express our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to our brothers in UAE on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, after a journey full of giving and achievements, and we ask the Almighty to have mercy on the deceased and bestow patience and solace on the brethren. We belong to God, and we will return to Him.”

Malou Caluza, CEO, QNET, said: Today, we bid farewell to one of the greatest visionaries this country has seen. We are forever grateful to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for his devotion to this country. Under his reign, the UAE has witnessed an accelerated development that ensured decent living for the people calling the country home. His example will continue to inspire the people of this nation.

Imran Farooq, CEO, Samana Group, said: The sad demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan today is a great loss for the UAE and for the entire Islamic world. UAE has lost a pillar of strength. Late Sheikh Khalifa was among the leaders who steered the country to progress and peace. With his efforts, he empowered his nation and his country was highlighted on the world map. He was a mentor to many leaders who learned wisdom from him.

Our entire Samana Group family is in shock and extend our heartfelt condolences to the deceased family and the leader of the UAE. May God grant him the highest ranks in Paradise!

Bashar Selo,  President & CEO Sedar Global, said:  We will forever carry in our hearts the kindness, respect and support the founding family have for their people. We were all tremendously saddened by the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We extend our deepest condolences to the Al Nahyan family, and may his departed soul rest in the highest of heavens.

Umair Masoom Usmani,  Founder & CEO MContent, said:  President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyn was a visionary with a humanitarian heart, we are forever grateful for his leadership. Our deepest condolences to his family and the people of the UAE may his legacy live on for generations to come and may his soul Rest In Peace.

Irfanullah Khan, Senior Pharmacist at Al Hajar Al Aswad Pharmacy Kalba mourned the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. He was a great visionary Ruler.  

His vision for the future helped make the UAE one of the most progressive and prosperous nations in the world.

Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner, Great Minds Event Management, said: “His Highness  Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,  President of the UAE provided strong leadership to the country.  He spearheaded the growth of UAE’s economy and transformed the country into the global hub that it is today.

Zenofar Fathima, CEO, Zen Film Productions, said: Today the world has lost an incredible leader, a visionary, and a monarch who will be remembered for centuries to come. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi Rajiun. May Allah grant his departed soul the highest rank in Paradise.

May Allah grant his departed soul the highest rank in Janat Ul Ferdos. (Ameen)

Sana Ullah Khan, Owner, Habib General Transport, Dibba, Fujairah, said. I express my deep sorrow at the passing of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He was an unmatchable Ruler. May Allah rest his departed soul rest in eternal peace. (Ameen).

Safi Ullah Khan, Owner, Al Seoud Furniture, Sharjah, said:  The UAE has suffered a huge loss today with the passing of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.  He was a great visionary Ruler. May Allah grant his departed soul the highest ranks in Paradise!

Antonino Cardillo, General Manager at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, said: We are deeply saddened by the sudden news of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan passing away. Our deepest condolences to his family and near and dear ones. We pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.’

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director VPS Healthcare, said:  We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. He will be remembered as a great statesman and noble leader who made lasting contributions to nation-building.

Sheikh Khalifa, who assumed the office of president in 2004, served the nation to the fullest of his abilities throughout his entire lifetime. He was a visionary leader who made pioneering contributions to the nation, to the world and to his beloved people.

He built on the legacy and teachings of the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and dedicated his life promoting the values of coexistence, tolerance, justice and peace for all humanity. His vision helped transform the UAE into a world-class business, cultural and technology center.

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was a symbol of generosity. A great humanitarian, he was committed to bettering the lives of others. His generosity of heart and spirit was evident as the UAE was named world’s largest humanitarian donor during his leadership. His kindness and compassion have left an indelible impression on all of us and his legacy of giving, charity and tolerance will be an enduring reminder for generations to come.

In this moment of grief, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the royal family. May Allah Almighty grant him eternal peace.

Dr Munir Ahmad Chaudhry, CEO, Office of His Highness Sheikh Abdulhakim Al Maktoum Investments, said: We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. In this time of national mourning, we would like to convey heartfelt condolences to the leadership and people of the UAE.

Irfan Afsar Awan, Ex-President PTI Dubai, said:  Today, the whole world, especially the Muslim nations lost a “Visionary Leader”. His selfless services towards humanity will always be remembered. May Allah grant his departed soul the highest ranks in Paradise!

Massimo Falcioni,  Chief Executive Officer,  Etihad Credit Insurance, said : The great legacy of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in achieving socio-economic progress in domestic, regional and international stages will remain an exemplary success model for the global political and business community. His unshakeable belief and trust in progress through unrestricted trade brought exceptional growth and prosperity to this country. He has been a tremendous source of inspiration and guidance for the establishment of ECI, the UAE Federal export credit company, and we’ll forever be indebted to his visionary leadership and direction for our success and achievements over the years. Indeed, he was a true champion of progress, peace and prosperity, and we mourn with utmost sadness and sorrow the passing of a great man and one of the most distinguished leaders in the world.

Shefiq Abdulla, CEO of Telephony Group, said:  His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has left behind a legacy of generosity and prosperity that will not be matched for a long time. His unparalleled leadership has guided the UAE towards countless opportunities and achievements that have made this country and its people a shining example of progress for the world. He will be missed.”