Residents of UAE mark passing of inspirational leader with period of official mourning

The death of a member of a UAE royal family is typically marked with a mourning period.

The country enters this period as a mark of respect, and life takes on a more sombre tone.

During this time, flags fly at half-staff and radio stations play classical music for the duration. State-owned TV stations usually follow suit.

Most live entertainment, including radio broadcasts, is cancelled.

A 10-day mourning period was declared yesterday in Dubai after the death of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

Work in government departments and institutions will be suspended for three days starting from today.

The President, Sheikh Khalifa, yesterday announced a three-day mourning period and ordered that national flags be lowered to half-staff until Saturday.

Sheikh Hamdan’s death comes during the Covid-19 pandemic and the mourning period reflects precautionary measures.

Funeral prayers will be limited to family members only while absentee prayers were said after maghrib prayers in mosques yesterday evening.

During previous periods of official mourning, federal ministries and government departments were closed. This practice has declined in recent years and schools typically stay open.

After the death of the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, in November 2004, the official mourning period was set at 40 days.

Government departments and schools closed for eight days and the private sector shut for three.