The ruler of Fujairah, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, expressed his deepest condolences on the passing of Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalfan Al Otaiba. Sheikh Hamad conveyed his sincere sympathies to the Al Otaiba family and the wider UAE community in a message sent on May 31, 2024.
Praising Al Otaiba’s lifetime of service, Sheikh Hamad recognized his significant contributions to the nation. Al Otaiba was a close confidante of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and played a pivotal role in the country’s early development.
Details regarding the cause of death and memorial services for Al Otaiba were not publicly available at the time of this report. However, tributes from other Emirati leaders poured in, highlighting Al Otaiba’s dedication and accomplishments.
President Sheikh Mohamed paid his respects on social media, calling Al Otaiba “a close companion of the late Sheikh Zayed” who “worked with dedication. ” Sheikh Mohamed extended his condolences to the family.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. Sheikh Mansour acknowledged Al Otaiba’s role as a “witness to the stages of building the state” and his contributions to the UAE’s growth.
Al Otaiba’s service to the UAE spanned several decades. He held various government positions and was instrumental in shaping the country’s economic landscape. He served as the President of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1971, a critical time in the UAE’s formation.
In recognition of his contributions, a street in Abu Dhabi was renamed Saeed bin Ahmed Al Otaiba Street in 2022. This renaming served as a permanent testament to the impact Al Otaiba had on the Emirate’s development.
Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalfan Al Otaiba’s passing marks the loss of a significant figure in the UAE’s history. His dedication to the nation and his contributions to its growth will be remembered for years to come.
