For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 4, 2006

Statement on Death of His Highness Shaykh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum

President Bush was saddened to learn today of the death of His Highness Shaykh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. Shaykh Maktoum was a friend and reliable ally of the United States and a generous contributor to international humanitarian causes. The President extends his condolences to Shaykh Maktoum's family and to the people of the United Arab Emirates.

Upon the death of Shaykh Maktoum, the Crown Prince, His Highness Shaykh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has become Dubai's new ruler. The President looks forward to working with him in building on the close ties with Dubai under Shaykh Mohammed's leadership.

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