The staff and students of the Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies in Dundee are mourning the death of His Highness Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates. He was 86.
The flag of the UAE is being flown at half mast outside the Institute in Blackness Road as a mark of respect.
Professor Abd al-Fattah El-Awaisi, Principal of the Institute said: ”We are all deeply saddened to hear the news of the Shaikh’s death. He played a very important role in the development of the UAE of today having been President since its foundation in 1971. He will be sadly missed not only in the Emirates but across the Middle East. Shaikh Zayed was considered the father of the UAE nation, and will be greatly missed at this crucial time. For many across the Arab and Muslim world Shaikh Zayed was considered the ‘wise old man,’ whose leadership and counsel was very well respected. His many years of ruling the UAE have seen the establishment of a forward-looking 21st-century economy and society in the Gulf. Indeed, one of his final acts as President was the appointment of the UAE’s first woman minister.”
Professor El-Awaisi said a book of condolence would be available for signing until the end of the week.
Lord Elder, the Institute’s Chancellor will pay tribute to the work of Shaikh Zayed at a meeting of their Council on Friday when there will also be a minute’s silence before the start of the meeting.
