World leaders mourn death of UAE’s Sheikh Khalifa

In this file photo taken on May 1, 2013 the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan waves from his vehicle as he leaves 10 Downing Street in Central London. (File/AFP)
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Updated 13 May 2022
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World leaders mourn death of UAE’s Sheikh Khalifa

  • President Biden said the UAE president was a “true partner and friend” of the US

DUBAI: World leaders have offered their condolences after the UAE announced the death of its President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed on Friday. 

US President Joe Biden paid tribute to Sheikh Khalifa, saying he “was a true partner and friend of the United States.”

He continued: “We will honor his memory by continuing to strengthen the longstanding ties between the governments and people of the United States and the United Arab Emirates.” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sheikh Khalifa, adding he was a “wise and respected leader who will be missed enormously“

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed said the UAE lost “righteous son and leader” after death of Sheikh Khalifa. 

"Khalifa bin Zayed, my brother, my mentor and my teacher, may God have mercy on you with his vast mercy and allow you into his paradise," he wrote. 

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, ruler of Dubai, offered his deepest condolences on Twitter, bidding farewell to the country's leader. 

"The UAE and the world have lost a wise leader loyal to his people and his nation who devoted his life since the establishment of the union to serve the Emirates," wrote Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, on Twitter.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said that he “mourns one of the most precious men and one of the greatest leaders, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.” 

El-Sisi continued to say that the UAE leader was known for his giving nature, offering abundantly to his nation and people. 

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Nayef Al-Hajraf, said, “with the departure of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, we lost a Gulf and Arab leader and pioneer.” 

Meanwhile, leaders of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan Morocco, Iraq, France, Oman, Palestine and Turkey, as well as the heads of the Arab Parliament, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, also sent their condolences as the UAE mourned his death.

Kuwait, along with several other countries, announced three days of mourning with all ministries and government departments closing, with the flags at half-mast for 40 days. 
Commenting on the tragic loss was the US Embassy in the UAE, which released in a statement that Sheikh Khalifa was a true friend of the United States.


Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

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Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

  • Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
  • Emirates says regional airspace closures cause disruption to several of its flights

RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.

Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace. The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities. Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings. The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.
 


Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures. The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center. Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.

Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.” The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required. Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.
 


Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights. The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments. Emirates said it adheres to all regulatory requirements and follows guidance issued by aviation authorities. The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
 


Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens. It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.
 


Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.

Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.