His steadfast efforts to develop the economy of the nation and his attention to the welfare of his people, both UAE nationals and residents, was evident to every one who has lived in the UAE.

The loss is much greater for those who knew his persistent encouragement to business and  business people. Shaikh Zayed's deeds will have to be mentioned when the full story of the UAE's economic progress is written. May Almighty Allah rests his soul  peacefully and enable his nation to follow in his path.

Dr Mohammed Khalfan bin Kharbash, Minister of State for Finance and Industry, told Khaleej Times: 'The death of Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan  is a real loss for the Arab and the Islamic world and economy. It was he who  invited people from every part of the world to contribute in the overall economic development that we see today. Zayed has transformed the UAE from small separate islands into  a strong nation with an annual GDP that crossed Dh276 billion. It was he who united the various emirates under the umbrella of the UAE and opened the country for investors. He had not discriminated aganist any one.  We shall continue to follow in his path.'

Shaikh Faisal bin Khaled Al Qassimi, a prominent businessman and former Minister of Youth and Sports, said: 'Who would have expected the UAE to reach the level of progress it has now in such a short period of time, without the support of Shaikh Zayed?  I remember when Shaikh Zayed used to tell us to encourage business initatives and young nationals to be part of the business boom in the UAE. Whenever we had the oportunity to see him, he adviced us to focus on education and economy. He built the country brick on brick and, more importantly, built the the human resources of the UAE. His loss is hard to take and his absence will impact all.We have nothing to do but to follow in his  path and help our nation out of its sadness.'

Dr Abdul Raheem Hamdi, former Sudanese Minister of Finance and Economy said,'The builder of the nation has been lost and the nation will remain loyal to Zayed.'

Mohammed Omer, Director General, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said,' What a sad day for all us! His contribution to the national economy is immeasurable.The Chamber of Commerce and Industry could have never done what it has without Shaikh Zayed.He used to come and plan with us every small matter to the extent that even a project in a small village would be his concern.He was so concerned of people's welfare, education and health. Our duty is to keep developing the economy.'

Noor Al Hudda, economic attache at the Sudanese embassy, said, 'A great man has gone at a critical moment.He managed in a short period of time to build a nation of strong economic fundmentals that can compete with the advanced nations. We are feeling sad because he was the one who supported  every Arab and Muslim country in the difficult times.'

Mohammed Ali Al Abbar, Chairman, Emaar, said: ' Emaar deeply mourns passing away  of a great statesman. His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was a man  of tremendous  vision whose immense leadership quality enabled UAE to become a country  that was highly  respected in the world.'

Ali Al Jallaf, director-general of Dubai Cargo Village, said: 'It is a big loss for our country. We lost a man who built a country from scratch, a man who made a paradise out of a desert. We have lost the father of the nation. The country feels like orphaned. He was kind and supportive not only to UAE nationals, but to foreigners as well. I cannot talk about everything he did, the occasion is so sad and so many are his achievements that I could write a book about that. I do not think that what he has set up here will change, I am sure his sons will run everything smoothly just like he did, but people will remember him forever.'

Paras Shahdadpuri, chairman of the Nikai Group of Companies, said: 'It is a very sad day for all of us. Shaikh Zayed was the architect of this country. He put together the seven emirates, which prospered under his wise leadership. He put up the entire infrastructure of the whole country and became the most respected Arab leader not only within the Arab community, but outside the Arab world. His status in the Arab world was that of Abdel Gamal Al Nasser. He put the oil wealth of the country to the disposal of its citizens and welcomed foreigners. Shaikh Zayed had very good and warm relations with India and it is under his leadership that the UAE has become India's second largest trade partner.'

Mohan Valrani, senior vice-chairman and managing director of Al Shirawi Group of Companies, said: 'It is a very big loss for the country. Shaikh Zayed was one of the greatest rulers we have seen. I have been here for the past 40 years and I have witnessed all the changes that he have take place in this country. I hope that his sons will continue in the same path, while we follow his guidelines.'

Ram Buxani, vice-chairman of ITL-Cosmos Group, said: 'It is very sad news for the whole country. Shaikh Zayed was the architect of this most enterprising country in the world and he will be always remembered for that. He managed to create a country and maintained its unity under his wise leadership. Let us continue our good work to maintain what he has created and that will be the greatest homage to him.'

B.R. Shetty, chief executive officer and managing director of NMC Group, said: 'I am shocked by the news. Shaikh Zayed was one of the greatest leaders of the Arab world. His vision and philanthropic actions will be remembered forever. I hope this country will continue to prosper. I had a unique opportunity to get his blessings when he visited our new Neopharma pharmaceutical factory twice last year. It shows how much he wanted industries to come up in this country.'

Fasahat Ali Khan , acting director general, Sharjah Expo, said: 'The news of the passing away of His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is extremely sad and has shattered  everyone. He was a father figure for the locals as well as expatriates. Under his  able leadership the country reached great heights. Under his leadership, the UAE experienced great economic prosperity. His passing away has created  a vacuum in everyone's heart.'

Ismail Hukkawala, president, Indian Business and Professional Council: 'We have lost a great visionary leader and the architect of modern UAE. He was largely responsible for a great deal of progress not only in the Gulf region but also in the whole of Arab world. Whenever there arose a humanitarian need anywhere in the world, this great leader never hesitated a moment to extend his helping hand.'

Kiran Sanghani, Secretary General, Indian Business and Professional Council: 'A great loss for the nation and its  people. He will be missed by both UAE nationals and expatriates living in the UAE. The region has lost a great leader and the world has lost a leader who stood for peace and harmony of peoples and various cultures.

Kamal Vachani, Regional Director, Electronic and Computer Export Promotion Council of India, said, 'The region and the nation have lost a caring leader. Nationals and expatriates will miss him in equal measure. He built a nation on the solid foundations of tolerance, compassion and generosity. He touched the lives of several millions of people across the world through a number of humanitarian efforts and became an epitome of benevolence.