Global Business Federation pays tributes, mourns death of UAE President in Dubai

DUBAI: The UAE-based business community under the aegis of the Global Business Federation paid its heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates and a global leader of the Arab World.

The Sheikh Khalifa, who had been ill for some time, died on Friday. He was 73. He was the eldest son of the UAE’s founding President, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, his half-brother succeeds as the new President, UAE.  

In the condolence meeting held at the India Club Dubai, CA. Sahitya Chaturvedi, President of GBF read the condolence message with prayers for the eternal peace and rest in heaven with a deep regret of sudden demise of his highness who’s contribution to UAE and deeds for tolerance at international level are unforgettable.

GBF Chairman, Chandrashekhar Bhatia extended the heartfelt condolences and remembered the King who ruled the hearts of human being and his greater love and respect for India.

Ex-State minister Amrit Rajpal of Uttar Pradesh of India did also attend the condolence meeting while he was on personal trip to Dubai and guest of seasoned businessman Dayal Hiranandani. Former minister of State is a Young leader of Sindhi Community and is known for his social economic contribution to uplift the society and promoting education. His academic and literary works are admired by international council of Sindhi Community.

Suresh Gilani, the President of Sindhi Samaj and senior member of Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai offered condolences to the Royal Family and residents of UAE.

Dr. Deva Solanki, Dayal Hiranandani, Kishan Gilani, Sahitya Chaturvedi and many more veteran’s of Indian Community prayed for eternal peace and condolences to the honorable president of United Arab Emirates.

India had announced Saturday a day of mourning in tribute to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Government of India declared on Friday that there will be one day of state mourning across the country on May 14 in a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry to all states and union territories.

The national flag were flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is routinely flown on the day of mourning, and there was no official entertainment function organised during that day.

On Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan success him as the new President, UAE Surender Singh Kandhari, founder and chairman of the Dubai-based Al Dobowi Group, said, “Sheikh Mohammed has been a close friend of Modi and “a true friend of India.” According to him, the new leader’s vision and approach towards progress and prosperity have no bounds and India and the UAE are at the pinnacle of the best relationship as both countries see growth and progress as part of the future.

“We have even closer ties now as the free trade agreement has been signed, which will bring the trade to US 100 billion dollars,” he said.

“Sheikh Mohammed has great regard for Indians as we work towards progress and prosperity. Sanctioning the Hindu Mandir and now Sikh Gurudwara in Abu Dhabi are signs of tolerance and coexistence,” says Kandhari.

Chandrashekhar Bhatia of the Maharashtra Business Forum said the death of Sheikh Khalifa has left the Indian community sad.

“However, we are happy that Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the new President as he has strengthened India-UAE relations and will definitely take bilateral ties to another level,” said Bhatia.