Queen Elizabeth death: President Sheikh Mohamed leads UAE tributes


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Queen Elizabeth II dies - follow the latest news as the world mourns

UAE and Gulf leaders have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday at the age of 96.

The news was announced by Buckingham Palace hours after it was confirmed she was placed "under medical supervision" at Balmoral in Scotland.

President Sheikh Mohamed said on Twitter: "I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II and the people of the UK.

"Her Majesty was a close friend of the UAE and a beloved and respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion and a tireless commitment to serving her country."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, who knew the Queen for many years, said: "We join the world in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, a global icon who represented the finest qualities of her nation and people.

"Her incredible lifetime of service and duty to the United Kingdom is unparalleled in our modern world."

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, said the late monarch was a "Queen of love, wisdom and humanity. The world will miss you".

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, sent messages of condolences to King Charles III.

Gulf leaders pay tribute

In the Gulf, Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar, said: "Our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the British people over the death of Queen Elizabeth II, which with her loss the world has lost a great human symbol.

"Over her march, she was a source of inspiration and nobility, and she had solid and constructive relations with Qatar that strengthened the bonds of friendship and partnership between our two peoples."

In Oman, Sultan Haitham sent a message of condolence to Queen Elizabeth's son and successor, King Charles III.

United Kingdom: country in mourning as Queen Elizabeth dies - in pictures

  • A well-wisher kisses the hand of King Charles III outside Buckingham Palace after the death on Thursday of Queen Elizabeth II. King Charles, who spent much of his 73 years preparing for the role, on Friday planned to meet the prime minister and address a nation grieving the only British monarch most of the world had known. He takes the throne in an era of uncertainty for his country and the monarchy itself. AP
    A well-wisher kisses the hand of King Charles III outside Buckingham Palace after the death on Thursday of Queen Elizabeth II. King Charles, who spent much of his 73 years preparing for the role, on Friday planned to meet the prime minister and address a nation grieving the only British monarch most of the world had known. He takes the throne in an era of uncertainty for his country and the monarchy itself. AP
  • King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla arriving at Buckingham Palace, London, after travelling from Balmoral following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. PA
    King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla arriving at Buckingham Palace, London, after travelling from Balmoral following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. PA
  • King Charles and the queen consort outside Buckingham Palace. PA
    King Charles and the queen consort outside Buckingham Palace. PA
  • King Charles and the queen consort view tributes left outside Buckingham Palace, London, after the death of Queen Elizabeth on Thursday. PA
    King Charles and the queen consort view tributes left outside Buckingham Palace, London, after the death of Queen Elizabeth on Thursday. PA
  • King Charles greets well-wishers outside Buckingham Palace. AP
    King Charles greets well-wishers outside Buckingham Palace. AP
  • King Charles and the queen consort read messages left by mourners at Buckingham Palace in London. Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability through much of a turbulent century, died on Thursday, after 70 years on the throne. She was 96. AP
    King Charles and the queen consort read messages left by mourners at Buckingham Palace in London. Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability through much of a turbulent century, died on Thursday, after 70 years on the throne. She was 96. AP
  • King Charles greets well-wishers at Buckingham Palace after the death on Thursday of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. AP
    King Charles greets well-wishers at Buckingham Palace after the death on Thursday of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. AP
  • King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla view tributes left outside Buckingham Palace after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
    King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla view tributes left outside Buckingham Palace after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
  • Outside Buckingham Palace on the first day of public mourning after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The queen's death at the age of 96 marks the start of a tumultuous 10 days for the UK in which a queen is buried, a nation will mourn its longest-reigning monarch, and a new king is proclaimed. Bloomberg
    Outside Buckingham Palace on the first day of public mourning after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The queen's death at the age of 96 marks the start of a tumultuous 10 days for the UK in which a queen is buried, a nation will mourn its longest-reigning monarch, and a new king is proclaimed. Bloomberg
  • King Charles during a walkabout to view tributes left outside Buckingham Palace. PA
    King Charles during a walkabout to view tributes left outside Buckingham Palace. PA
  • King Charles outside Buckingham Palace on Friday. AP
    King Charles outside Buckingham Palace on Friday. AP
  • King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla surrounded by crowds of well-wishers in London. Reuters
    King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla surrounded by crowds of well-wishers in London. Reuters
  • The car carrying King Charles and the queen consort arrives at Buckingham Palace with the Union Flag at half mast. Getty Images
    The car carrying King Charles and the queen consort arrives at Buckingham Palace with the Union Flag at half mast. Getty Images
  • People gather at the Queen Victoria Memorial opposite Buckingham Palace on Thursday night after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Reuters
    People gather at the Queen Victoria Memorial opposite Buckingham Palace on Thursday night after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Reuters
  • People gather at the Queen Victoria Memorial opposite Buckingham Palace after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
    People gather at the Queen Victoria Memorial opposite Buckingham Palace after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
  • Mourners gather outside Buckingham Palace on Thursday night. PA
    Mourners gather outside Buckingham Palace on Thursday night. PA
  • Tributes and candles left outside Buckingham Palace in London after the queen's death was announced. PA
    Tributes and candles left outside Buckingham Palace in London after the queen's death was announced. PA
  • Police officers stand among floral tributes left outside Buckingham Palace. PA
    Police officers stand among floral tributes left outside Buckingham Palace. PA
  • A member of the royal household staff posts a notice on the gates of Buckingham Palace announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth. AFP
    A member of the royal household staff posts a notice on the gates of Buckingham Palace announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth. AFP
  • Royal follower John Loughrey, wearing a Union Jack hat, photographs the official announcement of the queen's death. EPA
    Royal follower John Loughrey, wearing a Union Jack hat, photographs the official announcement of the queen's death. EPA
  • Mourners outside Buckingham Palace. Reuters
    Mourners outside Buckingham Palace. Reuters
  • A man with a Union flag umbrella shelters from the rain near the Queen Victoria Memorial. AFP
    A man with a Union flag umbrella shelters from the rain near the Queen Victoria Memorial. AFP
  • Mourners on the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace. PA
    Mourners on the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace. PA
  • The crowds outside Buckingham Palace on Thursday night. PA
    The crowds outside Buckingham Palace on Thursday night. PA
  • Mourners at the vigil outside Buckingham Palace. PA
    Mourners at the vigil outside Buckingham Palace. PA
  • Mourners at the vigil outside Buckingham Palace. PA
    Mourners at the vigil outside Buckingham Palace. PA
  • Londoners walk down The Mall that leads to Buckingham Palace on Thursday night. PA
    Londoners walk down The Mall that leads to Buckingham Palace on Thursday night. PA
  • Taxis lined up along The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace in London after the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth. PA
    Taxis lined up along The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace in London after the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth. PA
  • The advertising screens in Piccadilly Circus in London mark the death of the queen. Getty
    The advertising screens in Piccadilly Circus in London mark the death of the queen. Getty
  • An image of Queen Elizabeth II is displayed on The BT Tower in London. Getty
    An image of Queen Elizabeth II is displayed on The BT Tower in London. Getty
  • A bus stop on Tottenham Court road in London displays an image of the queen. Getty
    A bus stop on Tottenham Court road in London displays an image of the queen. Getty
  • Mourners gather outside Windsor Castle, Berkshire. PA
    Mourners gather outside Windsor Castle, Berkshire. PA
  • Flowers are left under the Queen Victoria statue outside Windsor Castle. PA
    Flowers are left under the Queen Victoria statue outside Windsor Castle. PA
  • Candles and flowers form a makeshift memorial at the Queen Victoria statue outside Windsor Castle. PA
    Candles and flowers form a makeshift memorial at the Queen Victoria statue outside Windsor Castle. PA
  • People lay floral tributes outside Balmoral Castle, Scotland, on Thursday night. EPA
    People lay floral tributes outside Balmoral Castle, Scotland, on Thursday night. EPA
  • People lay floral tributes outside Balmoral Castle, Scotland, Britain, 08 September 2022. EPA
    People lay floral tributes outside Balmoral Castle, Scotland, Britain, 08 September 2022. EPA
  • People pay their respects at the gate of Sandringham House in Norfolk. PA
    People pay their respects at the gate of Sandringham House in Norfolk. PA
  • People pay their respects at the gate of Sandringham House in Norfolk. PA
    People pay their respects at the gate of Sandringham House in Norfolk. PA

Sultan Haitham expressed his "sincere condolences and sincere sympathy to His Majesty, his family and the British people, recalling the merits of the late Queen and the position she enjoyed among the peoples of the world".

"The late Queen was a steadfast friend of the Sultanate of Oman and contributed to strengthening the close relations between Oman and the United Kingdom."

Queen Elizabeth's visits to the Mena region - in pictures

  • Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Abu Dhabi during a state visit to the Gulf on February 25, 1979. Getty
    Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Abu Dhabi during a state visit to the Gulf on February 25, 1979. Getty
  • The UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the queen arrive for the inauguration of Le Meridien Abu Dhabi in 1979. Photo: Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
    The UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the queen arrive for the inauguration of Le Meridien Abu Dhabi in 1979. Photo: Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
  • The queen during her visit to the UAE in 1979. Photo: Ramesh Shukla
    The queen during her visit to the UAE in 1979. Photo: Ramesh Shukla
  • The queen appoints Sheikh Rashid, then Ruler of Dubai, a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, during her tour of the Gulf states, in Abu Dhabi in February 1979. Getty
    The queen appoints Sheikh Rashid, then Ruler of Dubai, a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, during her tour of the Gulf states, in Abu Dhabi in February 1979. Getty
  • The queen sits with Sheikh Rashid on the Dubai Ruler's new dhow, as they are taken on a sightseeing tour of the emirate on February 26, 1979. AP
    The queen sits with Sheikh Rashid on the Dubai Ruler's new dhow, as they are taken on a sightseeing tour of the emirate on February 26, 1979. AP
  • The queen, Sheikh Zayed and Prince Philip sit before lunch at the Hilton Hotel in Abu Dhabi, during the UK royals' tour of the Gulf states in February 1979. Getty
    The queen, Sheikh Zayed and Prince Philip sit before lunch at the Hilton Hotel in Abu Dhabi, during the UK royals' tour of the Gulf states in February 1979. Getty
  • Yemeni councillor Sayyid Abubakr bin Shaikh Alkaff kneels before Queen Elizabeth to be knighted during her visit to Aden on April 29, 1954. AFP
    Yemeni councillor Sayyid Abubakr bin Shaikh Alkaff kneels before Queen Elizabeth to be knighted during her visit to Aden on April 29, 1954. AFP
  • The queen with Sheikh Khalifa, who was then the UAE's President, at Mushrif Palace on November 25, 2010 in Abu Dhabi. Getty
    The queen with Sheikh Khalifa, who was then the UAE's President, at Mushrif Palace on November 25, 2010 in Abu Dhabi. Getty
  • The queen was welcomed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, during her visit to Abu Dhabi in 2010. Getty
    The queen was welcomed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, during her visit to Abu Dhabi in 2010. Getty
  • The queen and Prince Philip with President Sheikh Mohamed, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at Abu Dhabi airport on November 24, 2010. Getty
    The queen and Prince Philip with President Sheikh Mohamed, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at Abu Dhabi airport on November 24, 2010. Getty
  • The queen with the emir of Bahrain at a horse and camel race meeting in 1979. Getty
    The queen with the emir of Bahrain at a horse and camel race meeting in 1979. Getty
  • Queen Elizabeth eats with her hands in the desert with King Hassan during her visit to Morocco on October 27, 1980. Getty
    Queen Elizabeth eats with her hands in the desert with King Hassan during her visit to Morocco on October 27, 1980. Getty
  • The queen attends the races during her visit to Saudi Arabia in February 1979. Getty
    The queen attends the races during her visit to Saudi Arabia in February 1979. Getty
  • King Faisal II of Iraq and the queen leave Victoria Station in London for Buckingham Palace, in July 1956. Getty
    King Faisal II of Iraq and the queen leave Victoria Station in London for Buckingham Palace, in July 1956. Getty
  • The queen in Kuwait during her tour of the Gulf in 1979. Getty
    The queen in Kuwait during her tour of the Gulf in 1979. Getty
  • The queen drives through Tunis with Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba during a state visit in October 1980. Getty
    The queen drives through Tunis with Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba during a state visit in October 1980. Getty
  • The queen walks towards her plane with Sultan Qaboos of Oman, before she and Prince Philip leave Muscat after a five-day state visit to the Gulf region. Getty
    The queen walks towards her plane with Sultan Qaboos of Oman, before she and Prince Philip leave Muscat after a five-day state visit to the Gulf region. Getty
  • The queen walks in Muscat. Getty
    The queen walks in Muscat. Getty
  • The queen and Prince Philip during a visit to Qatar in February 1979. Getty
    The queen and Prince Philip during a visit to Qatar in February 1979. Getty
  • The queen with the Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlevi of Iran during a banquet in Tehran on March 2, 1961. AP
    The queen with the Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlevi of Iran during a banquet in Tehran on March 2, 1961. AP
  • Queen Noor of Jordan, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth and King Hussein of Jordan after the British royals' arrival in the country in 1984. Getty
    Queen Noor of Jordan, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth and King Hussein of Jordan after the British royals' arrival in the country in 1984. Getty
  • The queen alongside former Algerian President Chadli Bendjedid, inspect a guard of honour on her arrival in Algiers for a three-day state visit in October 1980. Getty
    The queen alongside former Algerian President Chadli Bendjedid, inspect a guard of honour on her arrival in Algiers for a three-day state visit in October 1980. Getty
  • The queen and Prince Philip with King Idris of Libya at the Royal Palace in Tobruk in May 1954. AP
    The queen and Prince Philip with King Idris of Libya at the Royal Palace in Tobruk in May 1954. AP

'Jordan mourns'

In Jordan, where the ruling family have been close friends of Britain's royals for decades, King Abdullah II said: "Jordan mourns the passing of an iconic leader.

"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades.

"She was a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend. We stand with the people and leadership of the UK at this difficult time."

This year the queen celebrated her platinum jubilee and made history as the only British monarch to reach the 70-year milestone.

Her ties with the UAE date back decades.

On February 24, 1979, the royal yacht Britannia carried Queen Elizabeth on her first state visit to the UAE, just over seven years after the union was formed in December 1971.

Sheikh Zayed then paid a state visit to Britain in 1989, and two decades later the queen returned to the UAE in 2010.

More recently, the late President Sheikh Khalifa visited her majesty in the UK in 2013.

Flags lowered to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II - in pictures

  • The Union flag is lowered at the Houses of Parliament following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 08, 2022 in London, England. Getty
    The Union flag is lowered at the Houses of Parliament following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 08, 2022 in London, England. Getty
  • The Union Flag lowered at half mast at Buckingham Palace following the official announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, London, Britain, 08 September 2022. EPA
    The Union Flag lowered at half mast at Buckingham Palace following the official announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, London, Britain, 08 September 2022. EPA
  • The Union Flag above Downing Street, in central London is flown at half mast following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
    The Union Flag above Downing Street, in central London is flown at half mast following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
  • Defence Forces military police lower the Irish flag to half mast outside government buildings in Dublin following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
    Defence Forces military police lower the Irish flag to half mast outside government buildings in Dublin following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
  • The Union flag flies at half mast at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland. PA
    The Union flag flies at half mast at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland. PA
  • Flags being lowered to half mast outside The Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood in Edinburgh following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
    Flags being lowered to half mast outside The Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood in Edinburgh following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
  • The United States national flag flies at half-staff over the White House by proclamation of US President Joe Biden, to honor the late Queen Elizabeth II of Britain following her death, in Washington, DC, USA, 08 September 2022. EPA
    The United States national flag flies at half-staff over the White House by proclamation of US President Joe Biden, to honor the late Queen Elizabeth II of Britain following her death, in Washington, DC, USA, 08 September 2022. EPA
  • The US flag flies at half-staff at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on September 8, 2022 following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. AFP
    The US flag flies at half-staff at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on September 8, 2022 following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. AFP
  • Frame grab from a video showing a member of the British Embassy staff lowering the flag outside the embassy to half staff upon news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II in Washington, DC, USA, 08 September 2022. EPA
    Frame grab from a video showing a member of the British Embassy staff lowering the flag outside the embassy to half staff upon news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II in Washington, DC, USA, 08 September 2022. EPA
  • The Australian flag files at half-staff at the Australian Embassy, Thursday, September 8, 2022, in Washington, after Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, died Thursday after 70 years on the throne. AP
    The Australian flag files at half-staff at the Australian Embassy, Thursday, September 8, 2022, in Washington, after Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, died Thursday after 70 years on the throne. AP
  • The Canadian flag flies at half-staff over the Canadian Embassy in Washington, Thursday, September 8, 2022, after Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, died Thursday after 70 years on the throne. AP
    The Canadian flag flies at half-staff over the Canadian Embassy in Washington, Thursday, September 8, 2022, after Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, died Thursday after 70 years on the throne. AP
  • The Union flag flies at half-staff at the British Embassy in Washington, DC, on September 8, 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. AFP
    The Union flag flies at half-staff at the British Embassy in Washington, DC, on September 8, 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. AFP
  • A Canadian flag flies at half-staff at the top of the Peace Tower after the death of Britian's Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
    A Canadian flag flies at half-staff at the top of the Peace Tower after the death of Britian's Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
  • The New Zealand flag at half-mast outside Parliament, in Wellington, New Zealand following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Friday, September 9, 2022. AP
    The New Zealand flag at half-mast outside Parliament, in Wellington, New Zealand following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Friday, September 9, 2022. AP
  • A Union flag flies at half-mast at the British embassy in Berlin, Germany 08 September 2022, following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. EPA
    A Union flag flies at half-mast at the British embassy in Berlin, Germany 08 September 2022, following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. EPA
  • The Brazilian and the MERCOSUR flags fly at half-mast at the Planalto Palace after the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, in Brasilia, on September 8, 2022. AFP
    The Brazilian and the MERCOSUR flags fly at half-mast at the Planalto Palace after the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, in Brasilia, on September 8, 2022. AFP
  • The Union flag at half-staff due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, at the British Consulate General, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 08 September 2022. EPA
    The Union flag at half-staff due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, at the British Consulate General, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 08 September 2022. EPA
  • Union flags flies at half-mast at the British embassy in Madrid, Spain, 08 September 2022, following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. EPA
    Union flags flies at half-mast at the British embassy in Madrid, Spain, 08 September 2022, following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. EPA
Updated: September 09, 2022, 12:01 PM