UAE sends condolences, says its pilgrims are safe

Abu Dhabi - Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed extends his heartfelt sympathy and condolences over the tragedy.

His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, has sent a cable of condolence to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, over the stampede which killed and injured a large number of Haj pilgrims today in Mina, near the Holy City of Makkah, national news agency Wam reported today.
In the cable, Shaikh Khalifa extended his heartfelt sympathies and condolences over the sad incident. He prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the souls of the dead with mercy in Paradise and bestow solace and forbearance on their families, and to bless the injured with speedy recovery.
Sheikh Khalifa also prayed to Allah Almighty to protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its security and people from any misfortunes.
Also read: Watch - 717 killed in Haj stampede, worst tragedy in 25 years
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, sent a similar cable to the Saudi king.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also sent a cable to King Salman, following the stampede.
He extended his heartfelt sympathy and condolences over the tragedy. He prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the souls of the dead with mercy in Paradise and bestow solace and forbearance on their families, and to bless the injured with speedy recovery.
Photos: Haj stampede claims hundreds of lives in Mina
Meanwhile, officials said no UAE Haj pilgrims have been killed or injured in the stampede.
Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaabi, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, said Shaikh Mohammed had earlier called to enquire about the safety of the UAE's pilgrims.
Mohammed Obaid Al Mazrouie, head of the UAE Haj Mission, told Khaleej Times over the phone on Thursday that all members of the UAE Haj mission are safe.
"We have also checked with the Haj tour operators and made sure that all pilgrims listed in the UAE are safe, and none of them have been killed or hurt."
(With inputs from Wam)
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

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