President Solih departs to UAE on official visit

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday departed on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He is undertaking this visit to convey his condolences and sympathies to the family of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE, Emir of Abu Dhabi, and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

According to the brief annoucment by the government of UAE, the late President passed away on Friday afternoon at the age of 73. Subsequently UAE’s Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced a 40-day period of mourning and a three-day suspension of work across the government and private sector, including flags to be flown at half-staff.

President Solih declared that the Maldivian flag would also be flown at half-mast from May 14-16 for a three day mourning. 

Ruler of UAE have unanimously appointed Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 61, as the new President. 

According to the President's Office, the President will return to Maldives on Monday, May 16, after concluding the visit.