Shaikh Rashid, too young to leave

Dubai - Shaikh Rashid, just 34, succumbed to a heart attack on Saturday morning and was laid to rest at the Umm Hurair graveyard in Bur Dubai late in the evening.

A sombre mood refused to leave the social media a day after the unexpected loss of Shaikh Rashid, the eldest son of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Shaikh Rashid, just 34, succumbed to a heart attack on Saturday morning and was laid to rest at the Umm Hurair graveyard in Bur Dubai late in the evening.
Even as Shaikh Mohammed started receiving condolences at Zabeel Palace from people across the country, the social media showered love for their favourite ruler profusely, and expressed shock over the death of the promising young man from the Al Maktoum family on Sunday.
Expatriate community in the country said that their mobile phones were flooded with social media messages from their home country.
A Dubai resident said he was equally shocked and surprised when his wife rang up in the morning and passed the news of Shaikh Rashid's death to him, at a time when Dubai was waiting for a confirmed news from the media.
Meanwhile, the condolence messages continued to pour in the social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Readers of Khaleej Times made use of the respective accounts to pay tributes and express their condolences to Shaikh Mohammed and his family.
While some reflected upon their own personal tragedies, some hailed Shaikh Mohammed for setting an example to leaders for displaying a composed demeanour
Facebook follower Sushama Narayan Somji gave a very touching comment: " Too young to go. Maybe be he was too good for the world we are living in.
We will miss you...the ones who will miss you the most are your family. God, give them the strength to live."
One mentioned the martyrdom of UAE servicemen and how Shaikh Mohammed counted own son as equal to them.
Navid Khan said: "A true leader sacrifice his mourning for the country's people, It was easy to shut at least government offices but His Highness counted his own son equal to martyrs If I am not wrong."
Sadaf Murad, another Facebook follower, compared Shaikh Mohammed to a father figure and said: "I am certain that each young boy and man living in the UAE considers Shaikh Mohammed like a father figure, our hearts are with you in this saddest of times, Your Highness."
Shelly Shaid lamented how death had silently clinched a handsome son from the family.
He commented: "Feeling very sad, such a young and beautiful son... Since yesterday feel very upset that life is so unpredictable and v have lots of ample time to and fight."
Residents like Ayam Da, Salman Rajput and tarek Abdelkhader shared their grief on behalf of their fellow citizens on the Facebook page.
Ayam Da remarked: On behalf of all Filipinos here in Dubai...we extend our deep sympathy and condolences....
Salman Rajput: On behalf of all Pakistanis here in Dubai...we extend our deep sympathy and condolences....
Tarek Abdelkhader: On behalf of all Egyptians, we extend our deep condolences ...
Muhammad Amin from Pakistan commented:" I am feeling that my real brother died ...It is with sincere sadness, I send my condolences to the Ruler of Dubai, the Al Maktoum Family and to all in the UAE."
Condolence messages poured in Twitter also. One among them was Shoaib Malik, the Pakistani cricket player, who tweeted @realshoaibmalik: Sad to know about the demise of #SheikhRashid, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of UAE. May Allah Bestow His Supreme Mercy on him
Sunny Andre @MrsSunnyAndrea tweeted: RIP #Sheikh #Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Such sad news & so young. Condolences to #Maktoum family & Crown Prince #Hamdan
UAEBusinessCouncil @USUAEBizCouncil tweeted: Our deepest #condolence & #sympathies to @hhshkmohd, his family and the #UAE on the sad demise of his son, #Sheikh #Rashid bin #Mohammed.
Vesimi Online @_VESIMI: #RIP #Sheikh #Rashid Bin #Mohammed #AlMaktoum .. Wishing all the family & friends strength (to bear the tragic loss)..
reporters@khaleejtimes.com