UAE’s finance minister Hamdan bin Rashid passes away aged 75

For 50 years, Sheikh Hamdan has held the position of Minister of Finance in the UAE since the formation of its first government. (WAM)

• Saudi Arabia's king and crown prince offered their condolences to the UAE's president and ruler of Dubai

DUBAI: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, has passed away aged 75. 
Sheikh Hamdan is the brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.  
The Dubai ruler posted a picture of Sheikh Hamdan on Twitter, adding: “We belong to God and to Him we shall return…May God have mercy on you, my brother, my support and my companion.”
Following the announcement, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent cables of condolences to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, president of the UAE, Saudi Press Agency reported.
“We learned about the news of the death of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and we send to Your Highness, the family of the deceased, and the people of the UAE, our deepest condolences and sincere sympathies,” the cables said.
The Saudi leaders also sent similar cables of condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
For 50 years, Sheikh Hamdan has held the position of Minister of Finance in the UAE since the formation of its first government following the declaration of the federation in 1971.
He led Emirati delegations to the International Monetary Fund and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund for international development.