UAE declares three days of mourning

Dubai - President Shaikh Khalifa directed all ministries and government departments and institutions across the country to fly the UAE's flag at half-mast

His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, mourned the martyrs, and prayed to Allah Almighty to bestow mercy and forgiveness upon them.
In a statement from the Ministry of Presidential Affairs earlier today, President Shaikh Khalifa directed all ministries and government departments and institutions across the country to fly the UAE's flag at half-mast for three days in honour of the martyrs, who gave their lives in defence of humanitarian causes.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took to twitter to mourn the martyrs.
"Today, we mourn, with pride, the UAE martyrs of humanitarian work in the Republic of Afghanistan; five martyrs whose lives end-ed while serving the weak, chil-dren, and the needy," he tweeted."The people of the UAE are proud of their children who are involved in humanitarian work. Today, they stand up tall for the martyrs who sacrifice for humanity, which the terrorists know nothing about.
"There is not a single human, moral or religious justification for bombing or killing those trying to help people," Shaikh Mohammed added. "May Almighty Allah have mercy on our martyrs and accept them among the righteous."
He further said that terrorist acts do not differentiate between young and old, and their atrocities against innocent people who dedicate their lives to serving humanity show they do not have any regard for human values. Shaikh Mohammed also affirmed that the UAE will continue to provide humanitarian and development assistance to affected communities and support people in need regardless of challenges. He further noted that the sons and daughters of the UAE will continue to support the country's humanitarian aid programmes to help the poor and those in need around the world.
For his part, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said: "Today, we have lost true heroes who were devotedly doing their humanitarian and charitable duty. They are a source of pride and glory for the nation."
"Such dreadful terrorist attacks undertaken by the powers of evil and darkness shall never hamper our charity, right and giving procession," he added.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai