Sheikh Khalifa: ‘The kind ruler whose actions spoke louder than words’
A sense of grief gripped homes and streets across the UAE as the country entered a period of mourning at the weekend.
The death of President Sheikh Khalifa after 18 years at the helm has left a gap in the lives of many.
During some of the Middle East’s most tumultuous times in recent memory, the country has remained stable.
People who knew him reflect ed on the man’s contribution to the country’s stability while also recalling his humane qualities.
Mohammed Al Fahim, businessman and author of the classic Abu Dhabi history From Rags to Riches, grew up with Sheikh Khalifa.
“I lost my brother and will forever miss his calmness,” said Mr Al Fahim.
“I’ve never known him to lose his temper and get angry with anyone even once. I will miss his presence first as a brother and a father figure to a lot of people – a father who is never tired of listening to our complaints and demands. He was a kind ruler who did more than he spoke.”
Nasser Al Nowais, chairman of the Abu Dhabi-based Rotana Hotels Group, said that Sheikh Khalifa was an exceptional person.
“No one was like him,” said Mr Al Nowais. “In his humanity, his humility, his kindness and his care for others (he was unique).”
Sheikh Khalifa was Mr Al Nowais’s direct manager at the Abu Dhabi Investment Fund. “Sheikh Khalifa was approachable and cared about all his employees. Every project I presented to him, he supported and encouraged,” Mr Al Nowais said.
“He cared about the well-being of people not only in the UAE but all over the world.”
Sheikh Khalifa was also known for his generosity.
Mohamed Al Ameri, 32, whose father used to visit Sheikh Khalifa, said “losing him was like losing an elder brother or a father”.
“Back in 2006 Sheikh Khalifa visited Bedouin in Al Hamra and they gave him welcoming gifts of food and fruits,” he said. “I remember Sheikh Khalifa asking the name of each individual who sent a dish. He later thanked them personally for their generosity and made sure they were supported.”
Ali Al Shorafa, former director of the presidential court of the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, also remembered Sheikh Khalifa fondly.
He said Sheikh Khalifa gave unlimited support to his brother Sheikh Mohamed, who has now succeeded him as President.
“The late President Sheikh Khalifa played a vital role in giving Sheikh Mohamed unconditional support,” Mr Al Shorafa said.
“He (Sheikh Khalifa) trusted his (Sheikh Mohamed’s) abilities to strengthen the UAE’s relationship with the rest of the world,” said Mr Al Shorafa.
“With his support, Sheikh Mohamed has achieved regional and international respect through its humanitarian stance with countries going through crises and disasters as well as supporting Arab initiatives,” he said.
“History will forever remember Sheikh Khalifa for his unconditional support to Sheikh Mohamed and goals to unite the Arab world and build bridges to preserve national and regional security.”
I lost my brother and will forever miss his calmness. I’ve never known him to lose his temper and get angry MOHAMMED AL FAHIM Businessman and author