Week of mourning for Sheikh Saqr

A week of official mourning has been declared for the passing of Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras al Khaimah, who died at dawn today in Ras al Khaimah.

Flags will be flown at half mast to mark the passing.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the former Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras al Khaimah, has been appointed the new ruler.

The Supreme Council, made up of the rulers of all the emirates, today approved Sheikh Saud’s succession to Ruler of Ras al Khaimah and welcomed him to join the members of the council.

In a statement the council declared its “full support for Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al Qassimi, to continue the march of his deceased father in supporting the federal march alongside his brothers the members of the Supreme Council, rulers of the emirates”.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, led tributes today, expressing his condolence on the death of Sheikh Saqr.

Other tributes included:

Ras al Khaimah Ruler's Court; 40 days of official mourning has been declared in Ras al Khaimah with effect from today, during which flags will be flown at half mast. Local government offices will be closed for a week from today.

tDubai Ruler's Court; one week's official mourning has been declared in Dubai with effect from today, during which flags will be flown at half mast.

Sharjah Ruler's Court; one week's official mourning has been declared in Sharjah with effect from today, during which flags will be flown at half mast. Local Government offices will be closed for three days from Thursday.

Ajman Ruler's Court; one week's official mourning has been declared in Ajman for a week with effect from today, during which flags will be flown at half mast. Local Government offices will be closed for three days from today.

Fujairah Ruler's Court; one week's official mourning has been declared in Fujairah with effect from today, during which flags will be flown at half mast. Local Government offices will be closed for three days from today.

Umm al Qaiwain Ruler's Court; one week's official mourning has been declared in Umm al Qaiwain has been from today during which the flags will be flown at half mast. Local government offices will be closed for three days starting from today.