Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

Today the whole world mourns the loss of an extraordinary woman — Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. (RIP). Her Majesty was a close friend of the UAE and both countries shared an amicable bond and mutual understanding.  

Gulf Today spoke to a cross-section of British nationals based in the UAE, who are deeply saddened over her sad demise. Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: The world has lost a steady beacon with the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She will always be remembered for her grace, dignity, and dedication to serving her people. My deepest condolences to the Royal Family.

David Stockton, CEO, Dulsco said: Deepest condolences to the Royal family on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For the British people she was the constant in all our lives, leading the great nations of the United Kingdom with commitment, passion and integrity. The global mourning and outpouring of respect shown is a testament to her historic 70-year reign at the helm of the British Monarchy. Thank you for your service, Your Majesty. Rest in Peace.”

Alisha Moopen,  Deputy Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare said: Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning British monarch, was an extraordinary and world-renowned public figure who lived a remarkable life. Her Majesty was a close friend of the UAE and both countries shared an amicable bond and mutual understanding. A beloved and respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion & a tireless commitment to serving her country, her 70 years of reign touched millions of lives and will continue to inspire generations to come. My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and all the people.  May God bless her soul. The Queen’s own words of wisdom provide comfort in our moment of sorrow: ‘Grief is the price we pay for love’.

Daspo Yiappos, Principal, The Oxford School Dubai (LEAMS Education Group), said: A legend has become a part of history. Queen Elizabeth II, UK’s longest serving monarch died at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, hard work, respect, leading with vision.

Through many of the darkest hours, through war and catastrophe, her steady hand and unwavering strength stood as a symbol of hope and assurance when it was needed the most.

We, The Oxford School (LEAMS Education Group) family, extend our sincere condolences on the loss of one of our greatest leaders. May her soul Rest in Peace. Farewell your majesty and thank you for your dedicated service.

Mike Butler, CEO,  Kava & Chai said: I am incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her life of service, she led with purpose, commitment and compassion. She inspired the world, and we are very proud of her achievements and steadfast reputation, which helped define modern Britain. My sincere condolences to the Royal family at this time.

Master Sri Akarshana of I Am Verse said: Love and prayers to the Queen, who had shown the world, that royalty is not only represented through elegance, gracefulness, and diplomacy but also through goodwill, humility, and compassion. Rest in Peace.

Oscar Rousseau, Senior Consultant at APCO Worldwide, said: The Queen is dead. During a lifetime of service and loyal dedication to the nation, Queen Elizabeth II advised 15 British prime ministers during a reign that spanned close to a third of America’s history. She witnessed the evolution of our country; its transformation into an economic, scientific and technological powerhouse that embraced cultural diversity and the brilliance of human ingenuity. I extend my deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on the loss of one of the world’s greatest, most humble, and remarkably stoic leaders.

Randhir Shinde, CEO, Galaxkey, said: On the evening of h Sept.8 , we lost one of the greatest leaders of our time – Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. At 96, she had dedicated her whole life to her country. She led with grace, integrity and humour. She led by example.

We thank her for everything she did, and everything she gave. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.

We are proud to have called her our Queen, and she will be remembered very fondly.

Phil Hadfield, UK Managing Director at Rockwell Automation, said: We at Rockwell Automation are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Il.

The Queen will be remembered for her lifetime of dedicated service and leadership in a world that has evolved dramatically throughout her reign. She led her country and the Commonwealth through some truly challenging times, and her devotion to helping young people, her support of racial equality and her commitment to environmental causes have been inspirational to many generations.

As a global business with a significant presence in the UK, we feel the loss of such an influential leader, and our thoughts are with the Royal Family, as well as our UK team, partners, and suppliers during this difficult time. As a mark of respect, we at Rockwell UK will temporarily pause our usual news flow through social media, however our operations will continue as normal, and we remain ready to support you and your business.

Alicia Buller, a leading business journalist, said: The Queen’s unstinting loyalty and respect for the Arab world could be seen in her many visits to the region as far back as the seventies. Her tireless service and dutiful leadership is much admired by the region as it is around the world.  

Her solid and constructive relations with the Arab world helped to pave the way for strong cultural and economic alliances between the UK and the Gulf. She will be much missed.

Brian James Coulter, British educator and trainer based in Dubai, stated: As a young boy, my Granny often shared pictures and articles telling my brother and I, she’s our Queen, a Queen who loves us all, loves her people and loves her country.

In her own words, Her Majesty shared that she never regretted in any way at all, her younger self, aged only 25, committing to serve. Serve she did. And more. Nobody can ever question her devotion to duty, nor compassion for her country, commonwealth and beyond.

As if the loss of a family member, a void has been left that can never be filled. I wept openly last night and still, tears roll. I served with pride, mam. Our Queen. You loved and were loved back, the world over. Thank you. Rest in Peace.