PM condoles UAE president over brother's death on day-long visit

• Premier Shehbaz Sharif leaves for Gulf state on one-day visit. 
• PM will convey condolences to president on behalf of entire nation.
• UAE declares three days of mourning on demise of Sheikh Saeed. 

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday offered his condolences to United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan over his brother's death.

The premier was on a day-long visit to the Gulf country to condole Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan's death on behalf of the entire nation and the Pakistan government, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said.

He was accompanied by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi to UAE.

During his meeting with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed at the presidential palace, PM Shehbaz conveyed profound sympathies and condolences which were received with great warmth. 

The UAE has declared three days of mourning after the death of Sheikh Saeed, who passed away a day earlier on July 27, said the state news agency WAM.

The Presidential Court announced his death and issued an obituary notice.

“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 late brother, H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, who passed away today [Thursday]," it said. 

The flags will be flown at half-mast for a period of three days starting from Thursday to Saturday. 

"May God shower the deceased with His vast mercy and dwell him in paradise, and grant the Al Nahyan family patience and solace," said the obituary. 

According to Arab News, the news of his ill health was previously announced by the Presidential Court. 

Condolences started pouring in following Sheikh Saeed's death including rulers and senior officials, with leaders from Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and the seven emirates comprising the UAE mourning his passing.

His funeral prayers will take place at the Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed the First Mosque in Abu Dhabi after the Zuhr (noon) prayer. 

In 2022, PM Shehbaz also visited the UAE to offer condolences on the demise of former president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.