Middle East royals and leaders pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Reuters/Dominic Lipinski

Middle East royals and leaders have paid tribute to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday 8 September at the age of 96.

Her eldest son Charles, the 73-year-old former Prince of Wales, was immediately declared King Charles III following the announcement of her death by Buckingham Palace.

• The world mourns Queen Elizabeth II: 1926 – 2022

UAE

In a tweet, President Sheikh Mohamed said that the Queen was a close friend of the UAE and a beloved and respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion and a tireless commitment to serving her country.

I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II and the people of the UK. Her Majesty was a close friend of the UAE and a beloved & respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion & a tireless commitment to serving her country.

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 8, 2022

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, vice president and ruler of Dubai, said: “We join the world in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, a global icon who represented the finest qualities of her nation and people.

“Her incredible lifetime of service and duty to the United Kingdom is unparalleled in our modern world.”

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud stated that the Queen was a model of leadership who will be immortalised in the history. 

“We recall with appreciation the efforts of the deceased in consolidating the friendship and cooperation relations between our two friendly countries, as well as the high international status that Her Majesty enjoyed throughout the decades during which she acceded to the throne of your friendly country,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Crown Prince and deputy prime minister Mohammed bin Salman said that she had devoted her life to serving her country.

“Her Majesty was an example of wisdom, love and peace. The world remembers today the great impact and deeds that she had throughout her reign.”

Reuters/Stefan Rousseau

Qatar

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, said that the world had lost a great human symbol.

“Over her march, she was a source of inspiration and nobility, and she had solid and constructive relations with Qatar that strengthened the bonds of friendship and partnership between our two peoples.”

Oman

In Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik recalled the Queen’s merits and the position she enjoyed among the entire world.

“The late Queen was a steadfast friend of the Sultanate of Oman and contributed to strengthening the close relations between Oman and the United Kingdom,” he said. 

Bahrain

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said the world had lost a great source of inspiration and strength whose wisdom and humanity would be missed by all.

As a mark of respect, he ordered that flags be lowered to half-mast for three days.

Jordan

King Abdullah II declared a seven-day period of mourning across Jordan.

He said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades. She was a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend. We stand with the people and leadership of the UK at this difficult time.”

Egypt

Al Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt, said: “I present my extreme condolence on my behalf and behalf of the Egyptian people to the Royal Family, the British government and the people of the United Kingdom in the death of Queen Elizabeth II who ruled her country for long decades with a great wisdom.

El-Sisi added: “We are ready to work with King Charles to boost the relations between our two friendly countries and people.”