On Friday, El-Sisi mourned the death of the Emirati leader, saying he “sincerely loved Egypt and was a loyal friend in all circumstances.”

“In my name and the name of the Egyptian people, I offer my condolences to the Emirati leadership, state, and people in this great loss,” El-Sisi wrote on his social media accounts.

“I pray to Allah Almighty to extend his mercy and forgiveness to the late UAE president and to maintain the UAE’s progress and pride,” he added.

Furthermore, Egypt declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the departed.

The UAE also announced a 40-day mourning period nationwide starting Friday.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan served as the second president of the UAE and the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi since 2004.

On Saturday, the UAE’s Federal Supreme Council elected Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan as the next president of the United Arab Emirates.

Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan is the third president of the UAE and has served as the crown prince of Abu Dhabi since 2004.