NEW DELHI, Jan. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Indian Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat will shortly visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to offer condolences on the passing away of the kingdom's deputy president, a press release issued by the Government said here Thursday.

    The Indian Vice-President, accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed, will pay condolences on behalf of the Indian government and the people, said the press release.

    UAE Deputy President Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al-maktoum was one of the eminent leaders of the Middle East region whose contribution to the United Arab Emirates and Dubai in particular has been immense, said the Government press release.

    It added that India is united in grief with the ruling family of Dubai and the leadership and the people of UAE in mourning the death of Sheikh Maktoum.

    Sheikh Maktoum, 62, died on Wednesday while he was in Australia's eastern state of Queesland. Enditem