UAE Mourns the Loss of Prominent Emirati Saeed bin Ahmed Al Otaiba
The United Arab Emirates is in mourning following the passing of prominent Emirati figure Saeed bin Ahmed Al Otaiba. Al Otaiba, who served as President of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1971, was a respected leader who held various government roles throughout his life. His contributions to the economic development and establishment of the country have left a lasting impact on the nation.
Leaders from across the UAE, including President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, have extended their condolences to Al Otaiba’s family and loved ones.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took to social media to express his grief, saying, “May God have mercy on Saeed bin Ahmed Al Otaiba, who worked with dedication as a close companion of the late Sheikh Zayed. I extend my sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time.” Sheikh Mohamed’s heartfelt message reflects the deep respect and admiration he held for Al Otaiba.
Similarly, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid tribute to Al Otaiba, highlighting his role in the economic construction and establishment of the country. Sheikh Mohammed wrote, “May God have mercy on Saeed bin Ahmed Al Otaiba and place him in spacious gardens and inspire his family with patience and solace. He was part of the economic construction and establishment in the country and a living memory of the capital.”
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed also shared his condolences, emphasizing Al Otaiba’s contributions to the nation’s development. He said, “May God have mercy on Saeed bin Ahmed Al Otaiba. He accompanied the late Sheikh Zayed and was a witness to the stages of building the state and contributed to its renaissance over the decades. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Al Otaiba’s legacy extends beyond his government roles, as he was also a close confidant to the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In recognition of his service and dedication, a street in Abu Dhabi was renamed in his honor in 2022, further solidifying his place in the country’s history.
The passing of Saeed bin Ahmed Al Otaiba has left a void in the hearts of many across the UAE. His commitment to the nation’s growth and development will be remembered for years to come. As the country mourns the loss of a respected leader, the legacy of Al Otaiba will continue to inspire future generations to strive for excellence and service to their nation.