Emiratis pay tribute to late Sultan Qaboos

Dubai - UAE nationals who spoke to Khaleej Times said they were "heartbroken".

Emiratis have paid heartwarming tributes to Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman, who passed away on Friday aged 79. UAE nationals who spoke to Khaleej Times said they were "heartbroken". It's common for Emiratis and UAE expats to drive over to Oman for a weekend getaway, as it shares a border with the emirates. Many Omanis also make the trip down to the UAE for a holiday.
An Emirati in Abu Dhabi, Fahed Ali, said he's been to Oman many times over the past few years.
"We are linked in many aspects, especially from the tribes and family perspective. They have very a similar culture and we visit Oman as if it is our second country," Ali said. "We consider both sides as our home and don't feel any differences between the two. If you look at history, we were sharing the same tribes and the same lands, especially on Al Ain borders. We are really sad about the news we heard today morning. He was one of the founders of the Gulf Cooperation Council."
Another Emirati, Adnan Sharaf, said the UAE and Oman share a "long and strong" relationship and he's saddened over the Sultan's passing. "The UAE and Oman are brothers and neighbours. We also have a lot of business and trade between the two countries," Sharaf said. "The late Sultan did a lot of things for Omanis and supported them. When we Emiratis visit Oman, they give us a lot of facilities.
"Many Emiratis go to Oman for holidays and they have relatives from that country. They are very close to the country. Before, many Omanis used to work in the UAE."
Expats based in the UAE said they are "in awe" of the country's development under the late Sultan's leadership.
A food and travel blogger in the UAE, Lavina Israni, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman. He was a pragmatic leader known for his immense contribution to the development of Oman for almost 50 years.
"Being born and raised in the UAE, Oman has always been the first destination we have considered for a weekend getaway. I have so many memories of going on road trips to the beautiful city of Salalah with family and friends, where we would enjoy the warm hospitality of Omanis as well as the picturesque landscapes that the country has to offer. Sultan Qaboos' contribution to Oman goes beyond building infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and airports. He was a great leader who will always be remembered for his good deeds towards his country and his people."
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

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