Late UAE president Sheikh Khalifa laid to rest in Abu Dhabi cemetery
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United Arab Emirates: Late UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was laid to rest in al-Bateen cemetery in Abu Dhabi on Friday night, the state news agency (WAM) reported on Friday.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, now Ruler of Abu Dhabi, led senior leaders in prayer at the cemetery.
A military honour guard in dress uniform carried the president's body before it was handed to his family for burial.
Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, carried the President's body before he was laid to rest.
Images showed dozens of ruling family members and senior officials in prayer by the graveside.
Funeral prayers were held in mosques across the country after Maghrib (sunset). Citizens and residents came together to observe the prayers for the UAE President, who died at age 73.
At Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the country's largest, thousands turned out.
On Saturday, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed will receive condolences from the Rulers of the Emirates and senior officials at Mushrif Palace.
Earlier, a three day period of mourning was announced. Government offices will close and public and private sector workers will return to work on Tuesday. Schools will remain closed until Tuesday.
Sheikh Khalifa has served as the president of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi since November 3, 2004.
Born in 1948, Sheikh Khalifa was the second president of the UAE and the 16th Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
He was the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed.
