Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04ABUDHABI4008
2004-11-08 12:58:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Cable title:
AMBASSADOR PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO UAE's NEW
how-tonull Diana T Fritz 02/05/2007 04:45:47 PM From DB/Inbox: Search Results Cable Text: C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 04008 SIPDIS CXABU: ACTION: POL INFO: PAO RSO P/M ECON AMB DCM MEPI DISSEMINATION: POL CHARGE: PROG APPROVED: AMB:MSISON DRAFTED: POL:SOSTROV CLEARED: DCM:RALBRIGHT POL:JMAYBURY VZCZCADI067 OO RUEHC RUEHDE DE RUEHAD #4008 3131258 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 081258Z NOV 04 FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6691 INFO RUEHDE/AMCONSUL DUBAI 4465
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 004008
SIPDIS
STATE FOR INR/B AND NEA/ARPI
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/14
TAGS: PINR KWMN PGOV TC
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO UAE's NEW
FIRST LADY
Ref: Abu Dhabi 3527
(U) Classified by Ambassador Michele J. Sison, reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 004008
SIPDIS
STATE FOR INR/B AND NEA/ARPI
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/14
TAGS: PINR KWMN PGOV TC
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO UAE's NEW
FIRST LADY
Ref: Abu Dhabi 3527
(U) Classified by Ambassador Michele J. Sison, reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
1. (U) On 7 November, the Ambassador paid a condolence
visit to the UAE's new First Lady, Sheikha Shamsa bint
Suhail Mazrouie. After expressing heartfelt sorrow on
behalf of the American people for the death of Sheikh
Zayed, the Ambassador had an opportunity to speak with UAE
President Sheikh Khalifa's mother, Sheikha Hessa bint
Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the only one of Sheikh
Zayed's wives who was also an Al Nahyan. The visit took
place at the home of Khalifa's oldest son, Sultan. The
visit also allowed the Ambassador to meet with Khalifa's
oldest daughter, Sheikha Aysha, and daughter-in-law,
Sheikha Sheikha (Sultan's wife).
2. (U) Despite her age, which appeared to be about 75,
President Khalifa's mother, Sheikha Hessa received her
visitors gracefully. She sat in a wheelchair but was able
to stand to receive her guests. Sheikha Hessa told the
Ambassador that was shocked by the news of Sheikh Zayed's
death because she had been told that he was doing fine,
even very recently. First Lady Sheikha Shamsa appeared to
be in her early fifties, and was energetic and warm and
thanked the Ambassador sincerely for her visit and
expression of condolences. She said she hoped to see the
Ambassador often during happier occasions. She understands
English, but like many is hesitant to speak it.
Comment:
--------------
3. (C) The UAE's new First Lady, Sheikha Shamsa, will have
big shoes to fill. As noted reftel, Sheikh Zayed's
favorite wife, former First Lady Sheikha Fatima bint
Mubarak, was an important behind-the-scenes power broker
and a popular and generous personality. We do not expect
her role to diminish. However, Sheikha Shamsa appeared
confident and gregarious in her meeting with the
Ambassador, and we will closely track her evolution on the
UAE public stage, even if it is also somewhat behind-the-
scenes.
SISON
SIPDIS
STATE FOR INR/B AND NEA/ARPI
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/14
TAGS: PINR KWMN PGOV TC
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO UAE's NEW
FIRST LADY
Ref: Abu Dhabi 3527
(U) Classified by Ambassador Michele J. Sison, reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
1. (U) On 7 November, the Ambassador paid a condolence
visit to the UAE's new First Lady, Sheikha Shamsa bint
Suhail Mazrouie. After expressing heartfelt sorrow on
behalf of the American people for the death of Sheikh
Zayed, the Ambassador had an opportunity to speak with UAE
President Sheikh Khalifa's mother, Sheikha Hessa bint
Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the only one of Sheikh
Zayed's wives who was also an Al Nahyan. The visit took
place at the home of Khalifa's oldest son, Sultan. The
visit also allowed the Ambassador to meet with Khalifa's
oldest daughter, Sheikha Aysha, and daughter-in-law,
Sheikha Sheikha (Sultan's wife).
2. (U) Despite her age, which appeared to be about 75,
President Khalifa's mother, Sheikha Hessa received her
visitors gracefully. She sat in a wheelchair but was able
to stand to receive her guests. Sheikha Hessa told the
Ambassador that was shocked by the news of Sheikh Zayed's
death because she had been told that he was doing fine,
even very recently. First Lady Sheikha Shamsa appeared to
be in her early fifties, and was energetic and warm and
thanked the Ambassador sincerely for her visit and
expression of condolences. She said she hoped to see the
Ambassador often during happier occasions. She understands
English, but like many is hesitant to speak it.
Comment:
--------------
3. (C) The UAE's new First Lady, Sheikha Shamsa, will have
big shoes to fill. As noted reftel, Sheikh Zayed's
favorite wife, former First Lady Sheikha Fatima bint
Mubarak, was an important behind-the-scenes power broker
and a popular and generous personality. We do not expect
her role to diminish. However, Sheikha Shamsa appeared
confident and gregarious in her meeting with the
Ambassador, and we will closely track her evolution on the
UAE public stage, even if it is also somewhat behind-the-
scenes.
SISON