President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has concluded his official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

President Solih departed on the visit to UAE on Sunday, and returned home on Monday.

The President visited the UAE to personally 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.

Before departing, President Solih had also offered his sincere condolences to the half-brother of the late UAE President, and the new Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the royal family as well as the people of UAE, through a Twitter post.

During his visit to UAE, the President met with the new President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Speaking with Sheikh Mohammed, President Solih expressed deep sadness upon learning of Sheikh Khalifa’s passing. And he asked to convey his prayers and condolences to the late President’s family and the people of the UAE.

The President also congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on his election as the new President of the UAE and wished him success in carrying out his duties.

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 was 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.

President Solih earlier declared that the national flag will be flown at half-mast from May 14 – 16 in the Maldives as well, in mourning for the late President of UAE, and Maldives also observed a three-day mourning period, while joining world leaders across the globe to mourn the death of the late Sheikh Khalifa.