A weird thing happened to me at lunch today. I got into my car, turned on the radio, and expected the usual Jay-Z, Maroon 5, or Rhiannon to be blasting through the speakers. Instead, all I heard was classical music. I tried another preset – more classical. In fact, ALL my presets were either classical (or worse: elevator) music.
I thought that someone had broken into my car to play a practical joke on me. Then I pinched myself to see if I was awake or in some alternate universe where hip-hop and rock music were banned. Eventually, a veejay came on the air to relay the news that one of the Sheikhs had died. Sheikh Nasser, the brother to the President of the UAE (that would be Sheikh Khalifa of Abu Dhabi) had died in a helicopter accident last night. So I guess the nation is in a state of mourning and rock music is not allowed?
From Business 24-7:
Photo from Business 24-7
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs on Tuesday announced the death of Sheikh Nasser Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the brother of The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Nasser died on Monday night when the helicopter carrying him and his colleagues crashed over Gulf waters.
In a statement, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced a three-day mourning period starting on Tuesday, during which ministries and government departments will remain closed.
Funeral prayers for Sheikh Nasser and his colleagues will be performed at the Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Mosque in Al Bateen.
Sheikh Khalifa will receive condolences on Tuesday at Al Mushrif Palace after the funeral service.
The Court of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai mourns the death of Sheikh Nasser bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Court announces three days of mourning in Dubai.
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Yup – when that happens on UAE radio stations, you know that someone important has died.
When Sheikh Zayed died, every station played Qu’ran recitals for 3 days.