President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has signed the book of condolences opened in memory of the late President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The book has been placed in JEN Maldives, the capital Malé City.

The president signed the book of condolences on Saturday.

President Solih has described the late UAE president as a great statesman and a visionary leader whose service and dedication to the UAE and its people would “forever” be remembered.

The late President of the UAE, Emir of Abu Dhabi and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces passed away at 73 years of age, on Friday, after battling illness for many years.

According to UAE state media, the middle-eastern country’s flag is to be flown half-mast for 40 days after the Ministry of Presidential Affairs of UAE declared 40 days of mourning within which a three-day work suspension is in effect from Friday to both the public and private sectors.

Sheikh Khalifa succeeded his father as the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi and assumed his presidential term in November 2004.