UAE President mourns Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed, Ruler’s Representative in Eastern Region

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday entered into seven days of mourning, with flags to be flown at half mast, following the passing of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region.

The Presidential Court issued an obituary for Sheikh Tahnoon, who was a close adviser to the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He was also an uncle of the head of state.

In the obituary, it was stated, “In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful … With hearts faithful to God's decree and destiny, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan mourns his uncle, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, who passed away today.”

Sheikh Tahnoon was earlier the deputy chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and deputy chairman of the Supreme Petroleum Council.

Following the declaration of the mourning period, live radio broadcasts have been suspended, with stations playing classical music. Along with this, live entertainment is also normally cancelled or made low key out of respect. When a member of the ruling family dies, a mourning period is observed that can vary from three days to 40 days.