Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter
United Arab Emirates President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan touched the lives of so many Emiratis and expatriates.
As Gulf Today shares in the sadness and grief of his passing away, representatives of governments and expatriates of this nation he led astutely, brought about by the values and virtues instilled in him by his parents, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikha Hessa Bint Mohammed Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, express their sincere condolences.
Ambassador of Indonesia to the UAE Husin Bagis: "On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, we would like to convey our deep condolences on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
"We pray that Allah have mercy on him and give strength to the royal family and the people of the UAE.”
Ambassador of Thailand to the UAE Warawuth Pouapinya: "The Royal Thai Embassy and the Thai Community in the United Arab Emirates have learnt with utmost sadness of the royal passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
"Our hearts and prayers are with the Government and the Emirati people for this irreparable loss of their great Leader. His Highness the late President will forever be remembered and revered by all Emiratis and expats staying in the United Arab Emirates for his endearing kindness and great vision for the United Arab Emirates.
"May the Almighty Allah have mercy on His Highness and fill him with His vast mercy, forgiveness and rest his soul in peace.”
Ambassador of the Philippines to the UAE Hjayceelyn M. Quintana: "With profound sadness, the Filipinos join our Emirati brothers and sisters in deeply mourning the passing of the beloved leader of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
During His Highness Sheikh Khalifa’s eighteen years as President starting in 2004, he steered the UAE towards becoming a global economic powerhouse, thus securing a bright future for his country’s future generations.
"The Filipino people stand in solidarity with the people and nation of the UAE in expressing heartfelt gratitude for what His Highness Sheikh Khalifa has done as the highest leader and great friend of many nations during his illustrious lifetime.”
Embassy of Malaysia in Abu Dhabi Charge d’ Affaires Anis Wajdi Mohammed Yusoff: "May Allah bless the departed soul of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Our heartfelt condolences to the royal families and the people of the UAE.”
The Philippines' Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Renato Duenas Jr: "The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai expresses on behalf of the Filipino people its deepest condolences to the people and Government of the United Arab Emirates on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE.
"His Highness Sheikh Khalifa was a great leader who showed great kindness and hospitality to thousands upon thousands of Filipinos who have considered the UAE their home away from home.
"His life and leadership have significantly contributed to the remarkable progress of the UAE and were responsible for raising the country’s stature to what it is today.”
Thailand Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Chairat Sirivat: "The demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, is a great loss for the country and the people of the UAE. On behalf of the Royal Thai Consulate General and the Thai Community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, I wish to express our deepest condolences and sympathy for the passing of the great leader of the nation. His Highness’ contribution to the advancement and prosperity of the nation will forever be remembered by all Emiratis and expatriates living in the UAE.
"May the Almighty Allah rest his soul in peace.”
Indonesia Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Candra Negara: "On behalf of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Dubai and the Indonesian community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, I would like to express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the people and Government of the United Arab Emirates on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.
"His Highness Sheikh Khalifa was a great leader of the country and well respected leader in the Arab World. He had shown great kindness and hospitality, as well as guidance to all people from multinationalities who live in this country.
"His life and leadership have significantly contributed to the remarkable progress of the UAE and will be the greatest legacy for the people and nation of the UAE.
"We pray to Almighty Allah the Most Merciful to shower His blessing and grant the soul of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa eternal peace in His beautiful jannah.”
Consulate General of Malaysia in Dubai Charge d’ Affaires Khairul Nazri Bin Mohamad Taib: "The Consulate General of Malaysia in Dubai extends its deepest condolences to the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.”
Grace Evangelical Church Sharjah Senior Pastor Anand Samuel: "It is sad to hear of the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This Sunday, when our congregation gathers for worship, we will pray for the Al Nahyan family and for the stability and peace of this nation that has allowed us to live quiet, godly and dignified lives under his leadership.”
Jewish Council of the Emirates Senior Rabbi Dr. Ellie Abadie: "The Jewish Community of the Emirates is very saddened by the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, may he Rest in Peace. He led this nation with respect, dignity and a vision for the future. We extend our sincerest and heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire Al Nahyan family. We wish the future leader of this country much success, accomplishments and good health to lead this country into the future.”
Philippines Partnership Circle president Marlene Murphy: "I am deeply saddened today by the news about the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. May Allah the Almighty grant him eternal peace; condolences to the Royal Family. We are sharing in your sorrow. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you from the people of the UAE and globally.
"I have been a resident of the UAE for many wonderful years and I always salute the remarkable visionary leaders of this country that I, along with close to a million Filipino residents, call home.
"Thank you for the remarkable leadership. It is because of great leaders like you that the UAE has been and will continue to be a force for stability, peace, development, goodwill and solidarity worldwide. We love the UAE!”
World Business Angels Investment Forum investor Lucy Chow: "The passing of Sheikh Khalifa leaves us with a heavy heart, especially those of us who have lived here for almost as long as he had been President. He leaves behind a proud legacy. The UAE is a country that brings people together to create the world’s greatest opportunities for development. His work and vision will continue to live on.”
Vision coach Dr. Loretta Sanders: "When I arrived in the UAE in 2011 I can remember being in awe at the love and kindness shown to the people. The legacy of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan will live on in all those that call the UAE home.”
Ladies in Business Magazine Global founder/publisher Ambassador Adeshola Helen Onadipe: "As an African woman living in the UAE for about three years now, I see the UAE as my second home without any doubt. The people, the food, the environment and kindness shared with everyone are exceptional. I am glad to be in the UAE because the government has impacted me not only as a businesswoman but also as a mother. Living in the UAE has changed the life of my business and made me a global leader.”
Businesswoman Lady Elizabeth Kelly: "A sad day in the history of the UAE. The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a true visionary, passed away today. A grievous loss for the UAE, the Arab and Islamic people of the world. May his soul rest in peace.”