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Sheik Saqr al-Qasimi, Ruler of Arab Emirate, Dies at 90

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Sheik Saqr bin Mohammed al-Qasimi, a ruler in the United Arab Emirates federation and one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs, died Wednesday, state media reported. He was 90.

Sheik Saqr was succeeded as leader of the Ras al Khaymah emirate — one of seven composing the United Arab Emirates — by a son, Sheik Saud bin Saqr al-Qasimi. Sheik Saud was chosen as crown prince seven years ago, opening a family feud with his half brother.

Sheik Saqr took control of Ras al Khaymah, the northernmost emirate, in a bloodless coup in the late 1940s — decades before the United Arab Emirates became a country — as part of a dynasty that has ruled the area since the 18th century....
Read entire article at AP