The ministry expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and the government of Somalia.

The UAE strongly condemned the terrorist attack that claimed over 300 lives in the Somali capital, Mogadishu on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation condemned the terrorist attack, and expressed its stand and solidarity with the Somali government in its fight against violence and extremism.

The ministry called on the international community to stand shoulder to shoulder in fighting this menace that threatens the stability of countries around the world.

The ministry expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the government and people of Somalia. It also wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.

Death toll jumps to 276

More than 300 people were killed and about 300 injured in the deadliest attack in Somalia's history. Funerals have begun and the death toll is expected to rise as Somalia reels from the deadliest single attack it's ever experienced.

Dr. Abdulkadir Adam, the director of Aamin Ambulance, says more people have died of their wounds in the past few hours.

Officials say more than 70 critically injured people are being airlifted to Turkey for treatment as international aid begins to arrive.

Nervous relatives stand on the tarmac at the airport, praying for the recovery of their loved ones.

Overwhelmed hospitals in Mogadishu are struggling to assist other badly wounded victims, many burned beyond recognition.

"There is still national rescue operation," the country's ministry said in a statement, adding that there would be "national mourning and prayers for the victims" in the coming days.

Police official Ibrahim Mohamed said that many of the victims were "burned beyond recognition" in what he described as "the deadliest attack ever."

Rescuers worked through the night to try to pull bodies from the rubble after the truck bomb exploded outside of the Safari Hotel on a busy road junction, levelling buildings and leaving many vehicles in flames.

"This is the most painful incident I can remember," the deputy speaker of the Somali Senate Abshir Ahmed said in a Facebook post after visiting the Medina hospital where many of the victims had been taken.

There has been no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Shabaab, a militant group aligned with Al Qaeda, has carried out dozens of suicide bombings in its bid to overthrow Somalia's internationally-backed government.

Saturday's blast was universally condemned, including by the United Nations, United States, Britain, Canada, France, Turkey and the African Union.

(With inputs from AFP/AP)