UAE Rulers lead tributes to Kuwait emir as three days of mourning called

The UAE has declared three days of mourning following the death of Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed, Emir of Kuwait.

Sheikh Sabah passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91 and his death was announced by the Emiri Diwan.

"With deep sadness and sorrow the Emiri Diwan sends its condolences to the people of Kuwait, the Arab and Muslim nations, and our friendly nations worldwide," it said.

The UAE's leaders paid tribute to Sheikh Sabah, who they said was a beacon of tolerance, wisdom and peace.

The President, Sheikh Khalifa, said he mourned Sheikh Sabah with great sadness.

Sheikh Khalifa said he was a leader of great stature and contributed decisively in developing the GCC.

He said Sheikh Sabah worked tirelessly for his country and all Arab nations until the last moment of his life.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said he was a compassionate ruler and the heart of the Arabian Gulf.

"May God have mercy on the compassionate father of Kuwait ... We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return," said Sheikh Mohammed on Twitter.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also paid tribute.

"Our sincere condolences go to the Al Sabah family and the people of Kuwait," said Sheikh Mohamed on Twitter.

"Sheikh Sabah epitomised wisdom, tolerance, and peace and he was a great pioneer of Gulf cooperation."

"He served Kuwait with honour and grace, and his work will never be forgotten. May God have mercy on him."

The period of mourning in the UAE will start from Tuesday and flags shall fly at half-mast at all official departments inside the country and the embassies and diplomatic missions of the UAE abroad.

Sheikh Sabah was admitted to hospital in the United States in July following surgery.

He ruled Kuwait since 2006 and has steered its foreign policy for more than 50 years.