DUBAI // Thousands of Emiratis and expatriates last night attended funeral prayers for Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was laid to rest after a grand procession.
The body of Sheikh Rashid, 33, was shrouded in a UAE flag and was carried by his brothers Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and a tearful Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of the emirate, who led the procession at Zabeel Mosque.
Other siblings, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, and other members of Al Maktoum family, were also present.
They accompanied the body to its final resting place in Umm Hurair cemetery in Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai.
After the prayers, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, received condolences from dignitaries and officials from neighbouring Gulf states.
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, performed the two prayers along with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
Musallam Al Ahbabi, 29, an Emirati government employee from Hatta, was one of many Emiratis who came to pay their respects. A large tent was set up outside the mosque grounds for those arriving to pray.
“This month has been a sad month for the UAE. We have mourned the loss of several of our sons,” said Mr Al Ahbabi.
“Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid visited the families of our fallen soldiers and stood by their side. He treated them all like his children and today he lost his eldest son.
“The least we can do is be there for him to show him our love and support during this grieving time.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is expected to receive well-wishers and condolences in his palace over the next few days.
He will accept condolences today and tomorrow at Zabeel Palace from 10am to dhuhr prayers and between asr and maghrib prayers.
Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Al Maktoum is to accept ladies’ condolences on the death of her son Sheikh Rashid, also at Zabeel Palace today and tomorrow, after asr prayers until 9pm.
Saleh Khalil, 57, a retired police officer living in Al Satwa, said that coming together as a nation and praying on the soul of the late Sheikh Rashid was what his sense of duty demanded of him.
“Those days are the blessed days of Dhu Al Hijja ahead of Eid Al Adha. The Maktoums and the Nahyans have done so much for us as a nation and we’re here by their side, the same way they’ve always been by our side,” said Mr Khalil.
Ahmed Al Meqbali made plans to go to Dubai from Abu Dhabi as soon as the sad news of Sheikh Rashid’s death after a heart attack was announced in the morning.
“We’ve always been a happy nation proud of its achievements and its people, but we all go through trying times in life and this is what this period is,” said Mr Al Meqbali.
“We belong to Allah and to him we shall return.”
Sheikh Rashid’s name trended on Twitter as soon as his death was announced. Social media users reiterated their sentiments of support and condolences.
The road from Zabeel Mosque leading to Umm Hurair cemetery in Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, was blocked for the procession.
Sheikh Rashid’s siblings accompanied their brother’s body in the ambulance. Other members of the Royal Family and the public were also there to say their final goodbyes.
nalremeithi@thenational.ae