On Monday, May 16, 2022, His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium, and His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge traveled to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to convey their condolences to the new Emir of Abu Dhabi and President of the State of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s half-brother, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin al-Nahyan, passed away on May 13, 2022 at the age of 73.

Other monarchs and heads of state have also presented their condolences to the new Emir including His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II of Jordan, His Royal Highness Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein of Jordan, and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said of Oman to name a few.

Upon hearing the news of Sheikh Khalifa’s passing, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sent her condolences stating, “I am saddened to hear of the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin al-Nahyan… He will be long remembered by all who work for regional stability, understanding between nations and between faiths, and for the conservation cause…”

Immediately after the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin al-Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates government announced 40 days of mourning for the late ruler, who had been in power for 18 years, after succeeding his father in 2004.