President Sheikh Mohamed performs funeral prayers for Sheikh Tahnoon

President joined by Ruler and Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah and family members of Sheikh Tahnoon at Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed the First Mosque in Abu Dhabi

OBITUARY: Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed, a lifetime of loyal service

President Sheikh Mohamed on Thursday performed funeral prayers for Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, who died on Wednesday.

Sheikh Mohamed was joined at the Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed the First Mosque in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, in addition to the sheikhs belonging to Al Nahyan family, the late Sheikh Tahnoon's siblings, his children and crowds of worshippers.

Sheikh Mohamed and the sheikhs of Al Nahyan family later carried Sheikh Tahnoon to his final resting place at Al Bateen Cemetery, state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Mohamed directed that funeral prayers be held in absentia for Sheikh Tahnoon after asr prayers in all mosques across the country.

In tribute, Sheikh Mohamed earlier wrote on X: “May God grant eternal rest to my uncle, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed, who was a close companion of the late Sheikh Zayed and dedicated his life in loyal service to our nation and its people, continuing the vision of our Founding Father.

“We pray that God bestows His mercy on Sheikh Tahnoon and blesses us with patience and solace at this time.

Sheikh Tahnoon was a close adviser to UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and was an uncle of Sheikh Mohamed.

An official mourning period of seven days has been announced, with flags to be flown at half-mast.

When a member of the ruling family dies, the country enters a mourning period, which can last between three and 40 days.

Live radio broadcasts are taken off air and stations play classical music. Live entertainment is typically cancelled or dialled down out of respect.

Sheikh Tahnoon was previously deputy chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, chairman of Adnoc and deputy chairman of the Supreme Petroleum Council.

Condolences

Sheikh Mohamed received messages of condolences from Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, and Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik Al Said, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Co-operation Affairs and Personal Representative of Sultan Haitham of Oman, reported Abu Dhabi Media Office.