ABU DHABI, 16 June 2003 — Federal leaders in the United Arab Emirates have sent tanks into Ras Al-Khaimah to back a sudden change in succession announced by the emirate’s ageing ruler that has been rejected by his ousted eldest son.
Eyewitnesses said yesterday tanks were guarding the palaces of new Crown Prince Saud and his father Sheikh Saqr ibn Mohammed Al-Qassimi, who on Saturday removed his eldest son Khaled from the succession in a decree. Sources close to Khaled said he had rejected the decision saying his father, thought to be around 90 years old, was not in good health.
Saud is a prominent businessman in Ras Al-Khaimah, one of seven emirates that make up the UAE federation. Former designated heir Khaled was known for an interest in politics and vigorous support for the UAE’s claims to three islands in the Gulf under Iran’s control.
