UAE President sends condolences to Aga Khan's family

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday sent his condolences to the family of Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, who has died aged 88. 

The billionaire philanthropist died in Portugal’s capital, the Aga Khan Development Network, which finances development programmes in Asia and Africa, said.

Described as a symbol of peace by UN chief Guterres, Aga Khan’s foundation said his successor will be publicly named after he is intially announced in the presence of family and religious leaders. 

The successor is chosen from among his male progeny or other relatives, according to the Ismaili community’s website.

The Aga Khan lived at length in France and had been based in Portugal for the past several years. His development network and foundation are based in Switzerland.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, sent similar messages of condolences to the family of Aga Khan.