Qatar’s former Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani no more

October 24, 2016

Doha, Oct 24: Three days of national mourning will be observed in honor of Sheikh Khalifa, who was the grandfather of the current Emir, QNA reports.

sheikh-khalifaQatar to observe three days of mourning after the former emir, who ruled for more than 20 years, passed away at 84.

This means that any special events are likely to be canceled and flags will fly at half-mast on public buildings. However, schools and workplaces should remain open as normal.

The Diwan’s statement was short and did not given any further details about the circumstances of the former Emir’s death.

Funeral prayers are expected to be held today (Monday).

Sheikh Khalifa ruled Qatar for 23 years, from 1972 until 1995. He lived in France until he returned to Qatar 12 years ago.

Sheikh Khalifa was born in Al Rayyan in 1932 and served as the country’s education minister before becoming deputy Emir.

He was named as Heir Apparent in October 1960. That decade, he also served as Qatar’s prime minister and minister of finance.

He took power in 1972 after succeeding his cousin and just a year after Qatar gained its independence from the United Kingdom.

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Abu Safwan
 - 
Monday, 24 Oct 2016

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajivoon. A great leader. May Allah Grant him Jannathul firdous. Ameen

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News Network
May 18,2020

Abu Dhabi, May 18: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has recorded a special message for Indian expats in the UAE as the country fights the coronavirus pandemic.

Khan - one of the biggest stars of Bollywood for decades - enjoys a large fan following in the Gulf, which is why Abu Dhabi roped in the actor to record a special video message for expats, urging them to cooperate with authorities in the capital and the country as they carry out sanitisation and testing programmes.

In the video, tweeted by the Abu Dhabi Media Office on Sunday night, the superstar appeals to Indians in Abu Dhabi to become heroes by staying home (stepping out for essential work/errands only), following precautionary measures and simply 'do the right thing' by getting tested if they have any Covid-19-related symptoms.

Khan, who has shot his recent super hit films (Race 3) in the capital, assured expats that Abu Dhabi authorities will not leave the community in these challenging times as it is a hospitable city who takes care of all residents.

"Following preventive measures also protects your family from the virus - so do the right thing as heroes do," Khan concludes.

The second phase of Abu Dhabi's sanitisation and testing in labour areas is underway, which started on May 16. Special testing facilities have been set up in the city for this purpose that test thousands of workers everyday.

As of May 17, UAE has confirmed over 23,000 cases along with over 8,000 recoveries and 220 deaths.

The country recently made a breakthrough in treating Covid-19 by using stem cells to help with the recovery.

The UAE leadership has thanked citizens and residents for their cooperation and assured that the country will take care of everyone in the country - with food and medicines being the red line, and that there will be no shortage of either during the crisis. Stimulus packages have been announced to help businesses stay afloat.

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