The passing away of Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, the leader of Kuwait who earned a reputation as a seasoned diplomat, drew an outpouring of grief from across the Arab world.

As news of his death broke, condolence messages streamed in from leaders throughout the region

UAE president His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, declared the period of mourning in honour of the Kuwait Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad, who has passed away.

Sheikh Sabah was 91 years old.

UAE leaders including His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, condoled his passing on their social media channels.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his heartfelt condolences via a tweet that read, “My heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait. In this moment of grief our thoughts are with the Al-Sabah family and the people of the State of Kuwait.”

The White House also released a statement by US President Donald Trump following the demise of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah in America yesterday. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, His Highness the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah. Melania and I send our sincere condolences to the people of Kuwait. Sheikh Sabah was an unwavering friend and partner to the United States. Earlier this month, I had the honour of awarding him the prestigious Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander.”

At the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, the UAE will observe a three-day state mourning with the flag flown at half-mast at all official departments, embassies, and UAE’s diplomatic missions outside the country.