ABU DHABI — Late UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed was laid to rest on Friday night following nationwide prayers.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, led senior leaders in prayer at a cemetery in Al Bateen.

A military honour guard in dress uniform carried the president's body before it was handed to his family for burial.

Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, carried the President's body before he was laid to rest.

Images showed dozens of ruling family members and senior officials in prayer by the graveside.

Worshippers in mosques nationwide paid their respects to Sheikh Khalifa, who died at age 73.

At Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the country's largest, thousands turned out.

On Saturday, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed will receive condolences from the Rulers of the Emirates and senior officials at Mushrif Palace.

Earlier, a three day period of mourning was announced. Government offices will close and public and private sector workers will return to work on Tuesday. Schools will remain closed until Tuesday.