The Emirates’ leaders pay tribute to Sheikh Hamdan

UAE leaders paid tribute to Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who died yesterday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, shared a picture of his brother on Twitter, accompanied by the words: “We belong to God and to Him we shall return ... May God have mercy on you, my brother, my support and my companion.”

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also expressed his condolences.

“Today, we lost one of the loyal men of the Emirates after a life full of giving and sincere patriotism,” Sheikh Mohamed tweeted.

“May God have mercy on my brother Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, and reward him with the best reward for what he offered to his country and its people.

“I express my condolences to my brother Mohammed bin Rashid and the honourable Maktoum family for this great misfortune.

“[I wish them] patience and solace.”

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, mourned the death of Sheikh Hamdan, as did Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah.

The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, said the UAE had lost one of its loyal and devoted leaders.

“God have mercy on Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid. With his wisdom and insightful vision, he helped build our institutions of government since the founding days of this nation,” he said.

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, the Ruler of Ajman and Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, expressed their heartfelt condolences over the loss.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, also paid tribute to Sheikh Hamdan.

“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,” he said.

“Today, the country bid farewell to one of its symbols and a knight who stepped down after a journey of giving.”