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Shaikh Saud is new RAK Ruler

RAS AL KHAIMAH — His Highness Shaikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who passed away on Wednesday morning, was laid to rest amid an outpouring of grief in the afternoon.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of Emirates offered funeral prayers at the Shaikh Zayed Mosque, Khuzam. The late Ruler’s body was laid to rest at Al Qasimi Royal Cemetery in Al Oraidi.

In a telephone call, the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, offered heart-felt condolences to Shaikh Saud. Shaikh Khalifa wished him success in his mission as Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The Ruler’s Courts in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Qaiwain also extended their condolences.

Shaikh Saqr ruled the emirate since 1948. During his reign, he transformed Ras Al Khaimah from an emirate which relied on fishing and subsistence agriculture to a thriving, modern centre of manufacturing, tourism and foreign investment.

The UAE Federal Supreme Council lauded Shaikh Saud on his succession. In a statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs, the Council expressed its full support to Shaikh Saud as Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and as a Member of the Supreme Council, as he continues his father’s legacy of supporting the federation of the UAE alongside his fellow Supreme Council Members and Rulers.

Federal National Council (FNC) Speaker Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair and members offered condolences on the death of the Ras Al Khaimah Ruler.

“The FNC extends its sincere condolences to His Highness Shaikh Khalifa, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates, the sons and the family of Shaikh Saqr, the Al Qasimi family and the people of the UAE,” a statement said.

Shaikh Saud, the fourth son of Shaikh Saqr, was born in Ras Al Khaimah on February 10, 1956. After completing his primary and secondary education in the emirate, he graduated in Economics and Political Science from Michigan State University in the United States.

Returning to Ras Al Khaimah in 1979, he was appointed to a number of government posts, including that of Chief of the Ruler’s Court. He also became Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Municipal Council in 1986. Taking keen interest in economic development, Shaikh Saud became chairman of a number of local companies, setting up Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, one of the largest Arab manufacturers of medicines, and the RAK Ceramics Company, which exports to over 125 countries.

Shaikh Saud has a vision of economic openness and seeks to build a strong diversified economy by attracting investment and development resources to improve the standard living for all residents of the emirate.

Shaikh Saud also places great emphasis on tourism and real estate projects. A believer in a free market economy for the UAE as a whole, and for Ras Al Khaimah, he is keen to provide all necessary facilities for investors.

Shaikh Saud plays a key role in the field of education, setting up schools and instituting awards to recognise outstanding teachers, administrators and students.

Shaikh Saud received condolences at the Khuzam Palace.

Earlier in the day, police were out in full force on main roads to control the heavy traffic and roads leading to the Shaikh Zayed Mosque, Khuzam, and to the palace was cordoned off to make way for mourners attending the prayers and the funeral.

A week’s mourning has been declared in the UAE as a mark of respect to the departed Ruler. All local government institutions in Ras Al Khaimah will remain closed for seven days and flags will fly at half mast for 40 days. Sharjah government offices will be closed for three days from Thursday, while in Ajman, local government offices will be closed for three days from Wednesday.

Major events like Wednesday night’s Ferrari World Abu Dhabi launch on Yas Island have been postponed. The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation called off today’s charity concert ‘Salam Ya Quds’. The Shaikh Khalifa Government Excellence Programme also cancelled an event on Wednesday. New schedules would be announced later, organisers said. In Dubai, the BurJuman Pink Walkathon on Friday, will now be held on November 5.

People from all walks of life said the passing away of Shaikh Saqr was a big loss for the emirate and the UAE.

Mohammed Hassan, an Emirati, said Shaikh Saqr was a father figure and a great leader. “Shaikh Saqr will be remembered for the great love for his people. He wanted prosperity for all Emiratis and always encouraged them to work hard.”

Major Marwan Al Mansoori, a senior RAK police officer, said the late Ruler was the soul of RAK and with his demise an era had ended.

“As the founding father of Ras Al Khaimah, Shaikh Saqr did a lot of commendable work for the emirate and contributed to the development of infrastructure, security, economic development and unity of his people. We pray to Almighty God to rest his soul in eternal peace,” said Major Mansoori.

Ahmed Al Shihy, an Emirati, was grieved by the loss, and said Shaikh Saqr was a kind, caring and generous leader.

“The Ruler’s Court was open at all times and the Shaikh would welcome people of all walks of life, irrespective of their nationalities, or their social class. He always listened to the poor and needy who came to him and would ensure their problems were solved,” he said.

“I remember Shaikh Saqr attending burial and wedding parties of his people, including the poor,” added Al Shihy.

Another Emirati, Salah Mohammed Al Ostad, said Shaikh Saqr encouraged Emirati boys and girls to go to school.

“He paid special attention to education and government assistance was provided to students,” said Al Ostad.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com