Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has died at the age of 73, Emirates news agency WAM reported on Friday.
In a statement, the UAE offered condolences on the demise of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and declared national mourning for 40 days from Friday. Flags will fly at half mast during that period.
Work in both public and private sectors will be paused for three days, also from Friday, the Dubai Media Office clarified.
WAM has reported that his death took place today.
According to Al-Jazeera, Sheikh Khalifa, who was battling illness for several years, had long ceased having involvement in day-to-day affairs, with his brother, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, seen as the de-factor ruler.
There was no immediate announcement about the successor.
Born in 1948, Sheikh Khalifa was chosen in 2004 to succeed his long-serving father Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan who ascended the throne in 1971.
KI