The United Arab Emirates has declared seven days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, who passed away on Wednesday. Sheikh Tahnoon was the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region and a close associate of the UAE’s Founder, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. As a mark of respect, flags shall be flown at half-mast.
Sheikh Tahnoon played a crucial role in the establishment of the UAE and was trusted wholeheartedly by Sheikh Zayed. In 1966, only a month after Sheikh Zayed assumed power, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and the Chairman of Al Ain Municipality. He later served as Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture before being appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the Arab Economy.
He had ten sons and was the brother-in-law of Sheikh Zayed through his sister, Sheikha Hessa’s marriage to Sheikh Zayed.
In 1973, he became Chairman of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and, in 1974, he was appointed as Chairman of the Department of Municipality and Agriculture in Al Ain. In 1977, he became Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Municipalities in Al Ain. He was also a member of the Supreme Petroleum Council, appointed by the UAE President in 1988.
Sheikh Tahnoun was known for his close relationship with the people of Al Ain and his direct communication with them. In November 2018, the road between Al Ain and Dubai was named in his honor. In tribute to Sheikh Tahnoun, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, wrote on X: “Our condolences to the President, the entire Al Nahyan family, and the honorable people of the Emirates. Our condolences are in his achievements, and his years of giving, and in his children who give what is dear and precious to this country.”
“May God have mercy on him and make him dwell in His spacious gardens, and inspire us all with patience and solace. We belong to God and Him we shall return.”
