UAE President mourns death of Hamad bin Suhail Al Khaili

Lt-Gen Hamad bin Suhail Al Khaili, a prominent Emirati who served the late Sheikh Zayed, passed away today, May 23, the office of President Sheikh Mohamed announced.

Al Khaili was known as a military companion of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The Presidential Office expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the deceased.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also expressed his sincere condolences.

Early this month, another close companion of Sheikh Zayed — Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohamed Al Nahyan — also passed away.

Al Khaili was born in the 1920s. After serving as military escort of the Founding Father, he rose through the ranks until he became a lieutenant general. Honoured as one of the UAE's visionaries, he was given the Abu Dhabi Award in 2005.

Lt-Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, described Al Khaili as an "uncle, a big brother, and a loyal friend".

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