One of UAE’s ‘greatest and loyal sons’ Khalfan Al Roumi dies

SHARJAH // Khalfan Mohammed Al Roumi, former politician and father of Ohoud Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness, died on Wednesday night.

“The UAE has lost one of its greatest and loyal sons. The wise politician, the modest man and the honourable teacher and the man who has a proven record of national accomplishments passed away,” said Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Al Roumi was a national pioneer who played a fundamental role during the establishment phase of the country.

Brother of Mariam Al Roumi, the former Minister of Social Affairs, he was considered to be at the forefront of academic degree holders, having graduated from Baghdad and becoming among the first graduates sent on educational missions abroad in the 1960s.

He worked as a teacher in 1968 before becoming deputy director of knowledge in Sharjah.

Al Roumi participated in preparatory committees and was a member of a delegation which toured Arab countries on diplomatic missions before the establishment of the UAE.