Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan, the president who built the United Arab Emirates from its founding in 1971, died in November 2004 after more than 30 years leading the Gulf federation. He was in his late 80s and had been in declining health for several years, having undergone neck surgery in 1996 and a kidney transplant in 2000.
The UAE declared 40 days of official mourning, with government offices closing for eight days and private businesses for three. Television broadcasts were interrupted for Koranic recitations shortly after the Ramadan evening fast was broken.
Deputy President and Prime Minister Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashed al-Maktoum assumed presidential duties during the transition. Under the constitution, the Supreme Federal Council, representing all seven emirates, has one month to choose a successor. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, the eldest son, was widely expected to receive the post.
Zayed had guided the federation through an oil-driven transformation, using petroleum revenues to modernize the country. US Secretary of State Colin Powell praised his "generosity, tolerance and avid pursuit of development." Condolences arrived from across the Arab world and beyond, with neighboring Gulf leaders traveling to Abu Dhabi to pay respects.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in November 2004, in its own words.