A former member of the UAE's Federal National Council, Osama Ahmed Al Shaafar, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, in Tajikista, the FNC announced.

"With hearts faithful to God's decree and destiny, the Federal National Council mourns the passing of Osama Ahmed Al Shaafar, former member of the Federal National Council, who has returned to his Lord," the FNC stated.

Osama's funeral prayers will be held after the Dhuhr prayer on Thursday, November 20, at the Al-Khair Mosque, followed by the burial at Al-Quoz Cemetery.

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Al Shaafar, who was elected as a member of the council in 2019, represented the emirate of Dubai.

The member also had a sporting career spanning over 20 years, that led him to serve as the president of UAE Cycling from 2012-2020. He was currently the president of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) since 2017, and the Vice President of the UCI since 2021.

Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan offered condolences to the family on the passing of Al Shaafar.

"We extend our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the esteemed Al-Shaafar family on the passing of Osama Ahmed Al-Shaafar, beseeching the Almighty, Mighty and Majestic, to envelop him in His vast mercy and forgiveness, and to inspire his family and loved ones with patience and solace. Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return," said the royal.

The Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, also extended his sympathies to the Al-Shaafar family.

"Sincere condolences and sympathy to the esteemed Al-Shaafar family on the passing of Osama Ahmed Al-Shaafar. We ask God to envelop the deceased in His vast mercy, to admit him into the spacious gardens of Paradise, and to inspire his family and loved ones with patience and solace. Indeed, to God we belong, and to Him we shall return."

Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, along with the Council members, extended their sincere condolences and sympathy to the family and relatives of the deceased.

"We pray that Almighty God grant him vast mercy, place him in His spacious gardens, and bestow patience and solace upon his loved ones."

The President of the Asian Cycling Confederation, Dato' Amarjit Singh Gill, offered his condolences along with the entire ACC Management Committee and the Asian cycling family.

"Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His leadership, commitment, and friendship have left a lasting legacy and will be dearly missed. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his loved ones find strength during this difficult time."

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