Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away last night after serving the nation for 70 years. Britain’s longest reigning monarch is being mourned around the world and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai spoke highly of the Queen on his Twitter.
UAE leaders pay their respects
His son and heir apparent, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also shared some kind words about the Queen on his Twitter where he said:
“Queen of love, wisdom and humanity. The world will miss you.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance shared his admiration of Queen Elizabeth’s reign.
“My thoughts are with the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth as they mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth. A remarkable Queen, her reign spanned the past seven decades, a time of amazing turbulence and change. She stood unique as an icon of service and national duty.”
During the her seven decade reign, the Queen had visited the UAE twice, once in 1979 and again in 2010.
The UAE’s ambassador to the United Kingdom Mansoor Abulhool stated that the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II as well as her friendship to the Emirates would never be forgotten.
“An enduring friend of our country, Her Majesty was a constant when so much else changed. The friendship between the Queen and our leadership was marked by warmness and mutual respect and the extent to which she contributed to the success of our relationship cannot be overstated.” said the UAE ambassador.
British expats mourn Queens passing
British expats in the UAE were regularly checking the news last night eagerly waiting for updates on the Queens health throughout the day. Upon hearing the announcement of her passing by Buckingham Palace, various expats were overcome with grief.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Maxine Braddock, a British expat living in the UAE for 13 years said:
“I have been glued to the television set since 5.30-6:00pm. I could anticipate that it was coming, but since the time I actually heard it, I have not been able to stop crying and am feeling so sad that I cannot express it in words.”
“The Queen has been like a rock, a pillar of strength and dignity, she was a strong woman who held everything together. I am deeply saddened.”
Another British expat, Aaron Rothwell said:
“I am devastated. Condolences messages are pouring in from my friends who belong to different nationalities. She remains an inspiration to all of us, across the world. The UK and the people around the world have plunged into mourning today. It is a moment of greatest sadness for all.”