The UAE flag flies at half mast. (Supplied)
Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the mother of UAE ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, has died, it has been announced.
Sheikha Hessa was the first wife of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, founding President of the UAE,
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs issued a statement saying: "In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate, with the hearts of believers in the judgment of God and his destiny.
My deep condolences to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and all the people of the UAE, on our loss of his mother Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan. May she rest in peace.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) January 28, 2018
"His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, mourns the death of Her Highness the late Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan, who moved on to her Lord today."
We extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the death of his mother Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan. We pray to Almighty Allah that her soul rests in eternal peace
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) January 28, 2018
The Ministry said three days of official mourning begins today.
Sheikha Hessa gave birth in 1948 to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who became president after Sheikh Zayed's death in 2004.
Sheikh Khalifa is also the ruler Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.
(With The AP)
