American diplomatic officials announced the death of a former US consul general in Dubai after a prolonged illness.

Paul Malik, who served in Dubai from 2015 to 2018, passed away peacefully in Washington with his family by his side.

Malik was a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, and served for 23 years in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.

He spoke Arabic, French and Greek and was most recently the charge d’affaires at the US Embassy in Amman, Jordan.

He also had postings to Lebanon, Greece, Ireland, Morocco and Tunisia, as well as several assignments in Washington.

“Nearly every person I’ve met over the last year in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has told me what a good friend Paul was to them,” said Philip Frayne, the American Consul General in Dubai.

“He will be remembered in the UAE for tirelessly working to promote increased co-operation between the US and UAE, and for deepening cultural ties between the two countries."

A book of condolences will be available for guests at the US Consulate General on Tuesday, July 30, and Wednesday, July 31, 2019, from 10am to 2pm.