Death of Sheikh SULTAN BIN ZAYED Al Nahyan, half-brother of UAE' President & of Abu Dhabi CP (Monday 18/11/2019)

Last month the Ruling dynasty of Abu Dhabi mourned the death of a senior royal. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, half-brother of the (capital) emirate's Ruler & Crown Prince, and son of the UAE' founder (& first President) Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, died on Monday 18 November 2019 at the age of 62-63, while receiving a treatment abroad. UAE observed three days of national mourning, during which any comments for the deceased were forbidden.

Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed was born in 1955 or 1 December 1956 in Al Ain, then (British controlled) Trucial States. His father, Sheikh Zayed, later (1971) became the Founding Father of the Union of Seven Independent United Arab Emirates, as they are known today.

Sheikh Sultan (left) with his brother President Khalifa (right)

Sultan was Zayed's second son, the only one from his third wife (Shaikha bint Madhad Al Mashghouni). Sheikh Sultan's half-brothers from his father's other marriages include current Emir of Abu Dhabi (& President of UAE), Sheikh Khalifa & the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (who replaces the former in most presidential activities due to his poor health).

Sheikh Sultan (sitting right) as President's Representative
chatting with his son Hazza (left) at a Camel Race Festival

Flag, flying at half-mast for the late Sheikh

Having received his education in Millfield School & graduated also from UK's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Sheikh Sultan was a prominent adviser to his father, who appointed him as Deputy Prime Minister of UAE in 1990 & made him Chairman of his short-lived Zayed Centre (which promoted the Arab culture, but was closed due to its platform's provided Antisemitic views). In 2009 Sultan bin Zayed was replaced with two of his half-brothers as Deputy Prime Minister, while President Sheikh Khalifa named him his personal Representative, a post Sultan held until his death.

Sheikh Sultan (right) receives citizens in his province
(Al Ain) as Representative of the President (of UAE)

Apart from being involved in governmental affairs, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan also was a member of Abu Dhabi' Supreme Petroleum Council & Investment Authority; and furthermore chaired the media & culture centre and the Emirates Heritage Club as well. For the latest, he was very passionate in Falcons & Camels, believing that traditional sports with these animals preserve the nation's centuries' old heritage.

Sheikh Sultan (left) with CP Mohammed bin Zayed (right)

Following the announcement of his sudden death, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed was mourned by all seven Rulers (& Supreme Council members) of UAE. His younger brother Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed said that he lost "a brother & friend" describing him as a national figure who served the country & one of the most loyal & respectful persons here. The Emir of Fujairah also called upon his loyalty & recalled the journey of building the nation, during which Sheikh Sultan 'accompanied the generation of our founding fathers'.

With VP & PM Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum (Dubai' Emir)

Additionally the Prime Minister & Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (Emir of Dubai) condoled Sheikh Sultan's family, saying that Sheikh Zayed's sons were partners in country's founding & left a "timeless mark" on it. Other tributes from those who knew the late Sheikh referred his simplicity, dedication to public service & oppeness to people & tradition. During the three-day mourning period (lasted until Nov. 20) entertainments were cancelled & TV stations played parts from Quran.

UAE Rulers attend SHeikh Sultan bin Zayed's funeral prayers at the Mosque.

Late Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed's body was frown back to UAE on Tuesday (Nov. 19) night. His funeral prayers were held at Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed The First Mosque in Al Bateen after noon prayer of Wednesday, November 20. It was attended by all UAE' Emirs, except President Khalifa & Prime Minister Mohammed Al Maktoum. Mohammed bin Zayed led Al Nahyan family in prayers & carried the deceased's flag-drapped body together with his sons after the prayers; he was laid to rest at nearby Al Bateen cemetery after an emotional farewell.

King Hamad of Bahrain (centre) condoles Al Nahyan family

Condolences were accepted by Al-Nahyan family at Al Mushrif palace the same afternoon, between two muslim prayers (~3:20-5:40pm). For the next two days (Thursday & Friday) condolence visits were accepted also from 10 am to midday (Dhuhr) prayers, apart from abovementioned hours. Among those who paid a visit (except ordinary people & local officials) was also HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, while all monarchical courts from Gulf nations condoled the president after his brother's death.

See also a previous publication about Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, dedicated to his re-'election' as President of UAE for another 5 years, barely 2 weeks before his brother's death:
https://royaleventsintheword.blogspot.com/2019/11/breaking-sheikh-khalifa-bin-zayed-al.html

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