Dubai, Jan. 6th , 2006 (WAM)--Citizens all over the country expressed their grief over the demise of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, stating that they were indebted to himand other leaders of the UAE Federation for this secure country, reports Khaleej Times.

Yousouf Abdul Ghani, Assistant Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for Financial and Administrative Affairs, said that Sheikh Maktoum and other leaders established the state after they had led a hard life under difficult living conditions, and in the process, paved the way for future generations.

"The loss of Sheikh Maktoum is like a loss of a source of passion and love," he added.

He said Shaikh Maktoum was an example of generosity, patience and superb extension of the late Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the founder of modern Dubai.

He said His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will continue with the journey of progress and prosperity.

Saif Rashed Al Mazroui, Director of the Department of Education, Programmes and Certificate Equivalency, said: "We extend our condolences to the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates and the people of the UAE over the death of Shaikh Maktoum, who was among those who laid the first stones for the state."Paying rich tributes to Sheikh Maktoum, Mazroui went on to say that his helping hand extendedto the needy in the world, thanks to Al Maktoum Charity Foundation.

Shaikh Maktoum had also contributed to spreading the real image of Islam by setting up Al Maktoum Arabic and Islamic Studies Institute, needless to say his commendable stand insupporting Arab Islamic nations.

Hatim Al Junaibi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Labour at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, expressed deep sorrow over the death of Shaikh Maktoum.

"The loss is great but we pray to the Lord Almighty to rest his soul in peace," he added.

The people of the UAE will not forget its great men, and their good deeds and achievements will be told by the citizens to their children to teach them how the great man accomplishedmagnificent achievements for his homeland in a short span of time, he said.

Egyptian Ambassador to the UAE, Mohammed Saad Obaid, said the demise of Shaikh Maktoum was a great loss for the nation.

He said Sheikh Maktoum had major achievements in the service of his homeland, people and the Arab and Muslim nations. He offered condolences on behalf of the staff of the Egyptian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai, as well as on behalf of theEgyptian community in the UAE.

A number of expatriates also offered condolences over the demise of Sheikh Maktoum.

Abdeim Shabo, a Ghanan, said he knew so many UAE nationals and all of them always praised the late ruler. The same sentiments were expressed by a large number of expatriatesfrom different countries.