DUBAI: Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al-Mualla, ruler of the emirate of Umm Al-Qaiwain, died yesterday, the official WAM news agency reported.
Al-Mualla, who was in his 70s, had headed the small emirate — one of seven members of the United Arab Emirates — since 1981.
The UAE began a week of official mourning, during which flags will fly at half-staff. Government ministries, offices and institutions in the other emirates will be closed for three days and will reopen on Monday. The ruler had been ill for several years and his son Crown Prince Sheikh Saud has been running the affairs of the emirate. He will become official ruler of the emirate which covers only 750 square kilometers.
Dubai has canceled all popular celebrations (during the mourning period). This includes a march that was due to take place today to mark the third anniversary of the rule of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the vice president of the UAE and ruler of the emirate.
Football matches in round three of the Etisalat Cup have also been postponed.
