President Sheikh Mohamed pays tribute to Khalfan Al Rumaithi

UAE leader offers condolences to distinguished military veteran in message on social media on Friday

President Sheikh Mohamed, in his capacity as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is pictured visiting Khalfan Al Rumaithi at his home in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Photo: Wam

President Sheikh Mohamed has paid tribute to decorated military leader Khalfan Al Rumaithi following his death.

In a message on social media on Friday night, the President said that Lt Gen Al Rumaithi had championed the interests of the Emirates “with loyalty and dedication for decades”.

Lt Gen Al Rumaithi enjoyed a long and distinguished career, rising from the ranks of the Trucial Oman Scouts to lead the Amiri Guard, the UAE's top security force and the forerunner to the Presidential Guard.

In 2005, he was honoured for his commitment to his country by being named among the inaugural winners of the Abu Dhabi Award.

The accolade recognises contributions of people in a variety of fields to the progress of the emirate and the country.

Recipients receive the Abu Dhabi Medal, the highest civilian honour issued by an Emiree Decree, the Abu Dhabi Awards website says.

Sheikh Mohamed said Lt Gen Al Rumaithi had “accompanied Sheikh Zayed” in supporting the development of the nation.

“May God have mercy on Khalfan Matar Al Rumaithi and place him in spacious Paradise,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.

“He accompanied Sheikh Zayed, may God rest his soul, and served the Emirates with loyalty and dedication for decades, and his life was full of giving and loyalty to the homeland.”

Sheikh Mohamed also sent his “sincere condolences” to Lt Gen Al Rumaithi's family.

His age and the date of his death have not been disclosed.

Gen Issa Al Mazrouei, chief of staff of the Armed Forces, and Matar Al Dhaheri, undersecretary of the Military of Defence, were joined by a number of senior officers in offering their sympathies at a condolence council in Al Ain.

Gen Al Mazrouei extended his sincere condolences to the family of Lt Gen Al Rumaithi in a message shared on social media by the Ministry of Defence on Saturday.