UAE people grieve for lost leader

By Julia Wheeler
BBC Gulf correspondent in Abu Dhabi

Some women threw themselves to the ground in their grief

The funeral of the United Arab Emirates president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, has taken place in the capital Abu Dhabi.

Special prayers were said after the normal mid-afternoon Asr prayer at Sheikh Sultan mosque in the city.

The body of the president was then taken by road to the burial ground on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi.

More than 150 vehicles filled with dignitaries accompanied the ambulance carrying Sheikh Zayed.

Young and old

Thousands of people lined the route. They travelled in special buses escorted by police to pay their final respects.

The men and women stood separately along the road in the afternoon sunshine, making contrasting groups.

The men wore their long white robes, the women were in black abayas with veils covering their hair.

Men held posters of Sheik Zayed as they waited for the funeral cortege

There were both young and old mourners; mothers had brought their children to witness the passing of the president.

The chant of "Allahu akbar" grew louder as the funeral cortege drew nearer. As it passed many of the women wailed in their grief.

Some became so overwrought they threw themselves to the ground shouting Babu Zayed, Babu Zayed - Father Zayed.

Several were treated by medics at the side of the road. Some of the men too raised their hands as they made their religious chant. Their demeanour was more solemn but no less sorrowful.

The sheikhs of the surrounding Gulf countries, the King of Jordan and the leaders of Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Pakistan, Sudan and Syria were among the dignitaries at the funeral.

SHEIKH ZAYED Born in 1918, fourth son of ruler of Abu Dhabi Took power from his brother in 1966 President of UAE since foundation in 1971 Obituary: Father of the UAE

Sheikh Zayed was a man whose influence and good will extended well beyond the boundaries of the small country he helped to found to 1971.

He was generous to countries in the Middle East and further afield, including the Palestinian territories, Lebanon and Bosnia.

But people in the Emirates will remember his generosity closer to home.

The way he ensured the distribution of Abu Dhabi's oil wealth throughout the rest of the country helping to contribute to the stability and continued existence of the young nation.

Several people were barely able to hold back their tears as they spoke of what the president meant to them.

"He is our father. We owe him everything. He has guided us."

A local official tried to cover a billboard before the cortege passed

It is this guidance, and with it the prosperity and security Sheikh Zayed gave his people, that made him such a popular leader.

It is not that the Emiratis or the expatriates who make up the vast majority of the population think that they will lose these things with the passing of the president.

But there is a feeling that a guiding hand has disappeared.

People are grateful that Sheikh Zayed has helped to ensure a smooth succession.

His son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan al-Nahyan, has become ruler of Abu Dhabi.

The federal supreme council must meet within 30 days to elect a new UAE president. Sheikh Khalifa is widely expected to succeed his father.