Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan passed away today, the office of President Sheikh Mohamed announced.

The Presidential Office expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy.

Members of the royal family, top officials, and a crowd of mourners performed funeral prayers for Sheikh Hazza this afternoon at the Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed First Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

His body was then laid to rest at Al Bateen cemetery.

Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan had been present at several gatherings and events that were attended by top leaders and key figures in government.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has also mourned the royal’s death. In a tweet on X he said, “May God have mercy on Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and sincere condolences to the honourable Al Nahyan family.”

“We ask Him, Glory be to Him, to cover the deceased with His vast mercy, to dwell him in spacious gardens, and to inspire his family and relatives with patience and solace… We belong to God and to Him we shall return.”

The death of Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan comes just a week after the UAE mourned the passing of another member of the royal family, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohamed Al Nahyan. A close companion of the UAE’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Tahnoun was the Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport-Abu Dhabi has launched Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy that aims to preserve the night sky and foster a sustainable future for communities throughout the emirate. As part of the endeavour’s roll out, an extensive awareness campaign will be launched under the theme Discover the Beauty of Abu Dhabi’s Sky, to educate residents and visitors about the importance of preserving the night sky.

The initiative is the first of its kind in the region and seeks to address the escalating concern of light pollution by presenting a blueprint for responsible lighting practices. Aligned with the global endeavours of the International Dark Sky Association, the policy’s multifaceted approach includes the promotion of sustainable lighting systems, protecting the natural environment and wildlife, supporting scientific research in the field of astronomy, enhancing public health, and promoting sustainable development.

The four metro stations that remain closed after heavy rains hit the emirate in mid-April will see normal operations restored by May 28.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said OnPassive, Equity, Mashreq, and Energy Metro stations would reopen after all maintenance and safety tests were completed to ensure they are “ready to operate at the highest standards and efficiency”.

On Wednesday, RTA announced metro services would return to normal soon, assuring, “(We are) keen to swiftly restore Dubai Metro services at the affected stations to their normal state, ensure the safety and security of passengers and assets, and deliver seamless transport services in line with the top international practices.

In the meantime, RTA will continue deploying direct bus services consisting of more than 150 buses until the resumption of normal metro operations on three routes during metro operation hours. These buses serve passengers commuting between the Business Bay Metro Station to On Passive, Mall of the Emirates, Mashreq, Equity, Dubai Internet City, and Al Khail Metro Stations.