The UAE has entered a period of mourning following the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the second President of the United Arab Emirates and 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi, who passed away at age 73 on Friday May 13.
As part of the period of mourning, UAE workplaces and schools will be closed for three days, reopening on Tuesday, May 17. Restaurants, bars and hotels will cease playing live music or hosting entertainment. Live events can also not go ahead.
In Abu Dhabi, a circular was sent to establishments telling them that all music and entertainment performances must be cancelled, as well as fireworks displays and celebrations. Weddings are permitted but with no music.
Hotels were advised to be accommodating to any event organiser that will have to reschedule an event as a result, without penalty where possible.
Theme parks, cultural attractions, tourism sites and theme parks are to remain open.
In Dubai, the Department of Economy and Tourism sent a notice to establishments telling them that all entertainment featuring music and dancing should be put on hold until Tuesday.
Dubai Comedy Festival was among those to confirm its events had been postponed.
Additionally, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced the start of official mourning for a period of 40 days, beginning Friday May 13, and flags will fly at half-mast.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed assumed the office of president in 2004 after his father, High Highness Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, passed away. Sheikh Zayed is the former President of the United Arab Emirates and the Founding Father. Sheikh Khalifa was elected in 2009 to a second five-year term to resume on Tuesday May 17.
Sheikh Khalifa is survived by his wife Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Suhail Al Mazrouei. He has eight children.