For those wondering what happens in Dubai during an official period of mourning - the entire city closes down for the next seven days for an official period of mourning. Flags will fly at half mast for 40 days while local radio and television stations will broadcast readings from the Koran. All sport will be cancelled, the Dubai Shopping Festival has reportedly been cancelled and normal life will slow down somewhat as everything closes for the next few days.

The Dubai International Racing Carnival is due to open on January 19 so it will be interesting to see what effect the Sheikh's death will have on this.