Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Mohammad Sadiq Sanjrani has expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Minister of Finance UAE. The premier passed away in the Gulf emirate on Wednesday, aged 75. In his condolence message, Sanjrani prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the deceased the highest place in Jannah and give his family utmost strength during this trying time. Sanjrani added that Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid was a close friend, known for his loyalty towards Pakistan and well-wishes for its people.
“The people of Pakistan share the grief of the UAE Prime Minister and other members of his family,” he shared. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid was the brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and had been holding the finance ministry position since the very first UAE Cabinet was formed back in 1971. According to Khaleej Times, Sheikh Hamdan was not in the best of health for some time and even underwent surgery in October last year.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bid farewell to his late brother in a heartfelt post, writing, “My brother, my support, my lifelong friend”. The UAE’s de facto ruler, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nayhan, tweeted, “Today we lost one of the UAE’s faithful men after a life rich with giving and true patriotic work.” Sheikh Hamdan’s funeral was restricted to family members due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, funeral prayers were held in mosques across the UAE, on March 24. Dubai also announced 10 days of mourning with flags to be flown at half-mast and the closure of government institutions in the emirate for three days as of today (Thursday).