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Ex-UAE minister Al Roumi dead, leaders pay tribute

Abu Dhabi - The deceased is father of Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE minister of state for happiness.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai offered condolences on the death of Khalfan Mohammed Al Roumi, former UAE minister of information and culture.
He was accompanied by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai today on his visit to the majlis in Sharjah, where he expressed his condolences to the son, brothers and family of the deceased on their irreparable loss.
Khalfan Mohammed Al Roumi, former UAE minister of information and culture passed away on Wednesday.
The late Roumi was one of the founders of the Union and one of the oldest university graduates of the UAE, as he took part in many committees at the stage of foundation prior to the inception of the Federation of the state in the 70's.
With his death, UAE has lost a great national figure, who devotedly and sincerely served his country.
The UAE leadership considered him as a giving, trustworthy, responsibleand confident person.
The deceased held the post of minister of labour and social affairs for seven years.
He was one of the most effective and influential personalities in the cultural, educational and media.
He was ambitious and thankful for for gradually holding high-ranking positions.
At first he was undersecretary of the ministry of education after his good friend and companion the late Dr Abdullah Omran Taryam was appointed minster of education in the 70's.
He then held the post of minister of health in 1977, and later appointed minister of labour and social affairs during 1983-1990, until he held the portfolio of the ministry of information and culture in 1990, and then chairman of the board of directors for the Arab press Award for 16 years.
Also known as Abu Faisal, he was the humanitarian minister until he left the government job in mid-90s, leaving his mark in UAE's media, culture, labor and social affairs progress.
The late Dr Al Roumi was a graduate from Baghdad University. He worked in the field of education. He was a member of the UAE high-powered delegation which visited a number of Arab countries to explain the views on the establishment of the UAE.
He was also a member of the UAE delegation, which took part  in the Arab League's meetings on the UAE joining the League as member and to discuss the occupation of the three UAE islands by Iran.
The deceased also participated in many GCC, Arab, Islamic and International conferences and meetings. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai had always been keen on meeting with the national leaders, and had attended the ceremony held by Dubai Government's media office to honour Al Roumi at Myedan Hotel in Nad Al Shiba.
The ceremony was attended by Shaikh hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid AL Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai and the late Dr. Abdullah Omran Taryam.
The function was held as a token of appreciation for his sincere patriotic efforts.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shaikh Mohammed said: "Since the early days of federation, and during the era of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, I have known Khalfan Al Roumi who has always been a true patriot, like the late Taryam Omran Taryam. I also recall here Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, who had played a vital role in the federation."
Tweetirati posted their condolences on the death of Al Roumi on Twitter. The deceased is the brother of Mariam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi, former minister of social affairs and father of Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, minister of state for happiness.
After praying to Allah to have grace and mercy upon the deceased, Dr Abdul Khaiq Abdullah, professor of Political sicence at the Emirates university paid tribute to the deceased, saying that he had passionately loved his country, was sincere in his work and presented a good example for his society before he left us".
Sultan Al Amaimi echoed Dr Khaleq's words and said UAE had lost a prominent media figure and intellectual.
The ministry of Presidential Affairs announced the death of Khalfan Al Roumi in a statement today.  
Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum condoling Al Roumi's death, said that the deceased was one of the most faithful men of the country and one of the companions of late Shaikh Zayed and Shaikh Rashid in building the nation.
"The late Khalfan Al Roumi had devoted long years in his lifetime for the country, his giving, energy and dedication", Shaikh Moahmmed tweeted adding the deceased had left the love of the country and its service to his children, and I pray top Allah to accept him among the good people."

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- HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 7, 2016

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- HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 7, 2016