BREAKING: UAE president is dead

UAE’s President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is dead, according to the state news agency WAM reported this on Friday morning.

“The Ministry of Presidential Affairs condoles the people of the UAE and the Islamic world… on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on Friday, May 13,” WAM said.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said UAE lost a righteous son and leader.

The ministry announced 40 days of mourning with flags at half-mast from Friday.

Work has been suspended in the public and private sector for the first three days.

Sheikh Khalifa took over as the UAE’s second president in November 2004.

He succeeded his father as the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi.