UAE leaders condole Saudi Arabia over death of Grand Mufti

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has led the messages of condolences sent to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, on the passing of the Grand Mufti.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also dispatched messages of condolences, along with rulers of Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Shaikh assumed the role of Grand Mufti in 1999 after the death of his predecessor, assuming the title for the highest religious legal figure in a country until his passing on Tuesday morning aged 82.

He was also the Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, and Chairman of the General Presidency of Islamic Research and Ifta - interpreting Sharia and issuing religious rulings knows as fatwas.

The influential religious figure's funeral prayer was performed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

Sheikh Abdulaziz successor has not yet been announced, with Grand Muftis typically selected by the King of Saudi Arabia.