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Lost ‘Queen of the World,’ say UAE businessmen on the death of Queen Elizabeth II

She passed away at Balmoral Castle, UK, late on Thursday

Published: Fri 9 Sep 2022, 9:59 AM

Updated: Fri 9 Sep 2022, 7:59 PM

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Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

Top UAE officials and Emirati, British and Asian businessmen on Friday mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth II and termed her a global icon.

The Queen passed away at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle, UK, late on Thursday.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said offered heartfelt condolences to the royal family and the people of the United Kingdom on the passing away of the Queen.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of everyone at the Emirates Group and the entire Dubai aviation community, we extend heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

Colm McLoughlin, executive vice-chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, said he’s deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen because she was an exceptional monarch as she put her duties above everything else over seven decades.

McLoughlin had the opportunity to meet the Queen on a number of occasions, mainly at the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials at Newbury.

While sharing details of his interaction with the Queen, he said: “When you met her, she had a remarkable ability to put you completely at ease and she asked you relevant questions. Her passion for horses was very evident when she was at Newbury and we were delighted when she had a winner in 2017. She could not contain her excitement at that. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and the nation,” said McLoughlin.

A global icon

Hussain Sajwani, founder and chairman of Damac Group, said Britain's longest-reigning monarch was an outstanding individual and a global icon.

“We join the world in mourning the loss of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. She has been an outstanding individual and a global icon that has not only been an inspiration to her country but the entire world,” said Sajwani.

Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said the world has lost a steady beacon with the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “She will always be remembered for her grace, dignity, and dedication to serving her people. My deepest condolences to the Royal Family,” said Clark.

David Stockton, CEO of Dulsco, also offered his deepest condolences to the royal family. “For the British people, she was the constant in all our lives, leading the great nations of the United Kingdom with commitment, passion and integrity. The global mourning and outpouring of respect shown is a testament to her historic 70-year reign at the helm of the British Monarchy. Thank you for your service, Your Majesty. Rest in Peace,” said Stockton.

Most popular monarch

MA Yusuff Ali, chairman of Lulu Group, said the Queen was one of the most popular monarchs the world has ever seen.

“Queen Elizabeth was always known for her concern for developing countries, strong personality and very friendly relationship with global leaders especially with the GCC rulers, across the many eras. I very fondly recall the meeting with Her Majesty when I was honoured with the Queens Award in 2017 at Buckingham Palace. She was very humble and approachable. The world will miss a true stateswoman who was loved and respected not only in the UK but across the world,” said LuLu Group chairman.

Alisha Moopen, deputy managing director, Aster DM Healthcare, said Her Majesty was a close friend of the UAE and both countries shared an amicable bond and mutual understanding. “A beloved and respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion and a tireless commitment to serving her country, her 70 years of reign touched millions of lives and will continue to inspire generations to come. My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and all the people. May God bless her soul,” she said.

Kamal Vachani, group director and partner of Al Maya Group, said it is with great sorrow and sadness to hear about the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “The Queen will be greatly missed by all people around the world. My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the UK and its people,” said Vachani.

A shining light

Adam Sadiq, co-founder and CEO of New World Group, said the Queen’s extraordinary dedication, strength and resilience throughout her 70-year reign embody all that is great about Britain. “She was a shining light to us all, and her loss will be felt deeply," added Sadiq.

Sabrina Sadiq, Founder and CEO of Luxury Promise said for 70 years, the late Queen led the country with quiet determination and grace. “She was the constant in all our lives, reassuring us in times of uncertainty and reminding us of the great British way. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her.”

Zeiad Idris, co-founder and CEO of Algbra, said the Queen was a tower of strength and a calming influence for all the people.

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