Umm Al Quwain: Flags flew at half mast across the UAE on Friday and seven days of mourning was declared as the nation mourned Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain His Highness Shaikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla, who passed away on Friday morning in London.
The announcement was made in statements by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and other members of the Supreme Council, Rulers of the emirates.
Shaikh Rashid's funeral will take place on Saturday following the Asr prayer, according to a statement from the court of His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla, who assumed duties as ruler of Umm Al Quwain shortly after the death of his father.
Shaikh Saud will also receive at his palace condolences for three days, starting on Saturday. Government offices and departments will remain closed for two more days. They will reopen on Monday. In Dubai, all celebrations, scheduled for the next two days to mark the third anniversary of the accession of Shaikh Mohammad as Ruler of Dubai, have also been cancelled.
Pioneer of federation
Shaikh Rashid was born in 1932, and became Ruler of Umm Al Quwain on February 21, 1981 upon the death of his father. In his 27 years of rule, he oversaw the evolution of the emirate and led its development. His first decree was issued one month after assuming power when, on March 22, 1982, he established the Umm Al Quwain Cement Company.
He led the establishment of the National Bank of Umm Al Quwain in 1982 and the free zone at Ahmad Bin Rashid Port in 1987.
On May 29, 1994, he signed the landmark border demarcation agreement with Ras Al Khaimah and later that year he established the emirate's first economic department.
He was one of the pioneers of the UAE federation and was loved by the people of Umm Al Quwain.
-With inputs from WAM.
History: Timeline
- January 1980: Shaikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla along with Shaikh Zayed attends the Islamic Summit in Taif, Saudi Arabia.
- February 21, 1981: Shaikh Rashid becomes the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain after the death of his father.
- March 22, 1982: He issues an Emiri decree establishing the Umm Al Quwain Cement Company Ltd.
- October 23, 1982: He inaugurates the National Bank of Umm Al Quwain.
- November 5, 1987: He issues the Emiri decree on the establishment of the free zone and signs an agreement with a company to construct a free zone at Ahmad Bin Rashid Port.
- May 29, 1994: Shaikh Rashid signs a border agreement with Ras Al Khaimah.
- January 5, 1995: He issues a decree setting up the Umm Al Quwain Economic Department.
-July 22, 1995: Shaikh Rashid issues a decree on the setting up of Umm Al Quwain Cultural and Social Society.
- June 12, 1997: He inaugurates DreamLand in Umm Al Quwain
- June 25, 2000: He inaugurates Umm Al Quwain Museum, housed in the 232-year-old fort.
- May 28, 2001: He issues decrees on the setting up of the Umm Al Quwain Land and Properties Department and Umm Al Quwain Information Department.
- April 16, 2002: He donates Dh1 million to Palestinians in support of their steadfast stance against the Israeli aggression.
- April 5, 2003: He signs a contract for a water desalination plant to be set up by Matitu.
-June 16, 2003: He signs a contract for desalination plant.
-April 20, 2004: He issues a decree appointing Shaikh Abdullah Bin Rashid Al Mualla as Deputy Ruler of Umm Al Quwain and Head of the Police and General Security in the emirate. The decree also says that Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla will remain as Crown Prince.
- July 23, 2006: He creates Financial Control Department in Umm Al Quwain.
-July 29, 2006: Shaikh Rashid issues law regulating property ownership in the emirate.
Heritage
Umm Al Quwain enjoys a good location with its fascinating coasts overlooking small, medium and large islands. From the coast of the old Umm Al Quwain city, a group of natural islands with beautiful shapes, east of the city, can be seen. These are sand islands, the biggest of which is the Al Seeniyah Island, which occupies an area of 50 square kilometres, followed by Al Ghallah and Al Kaab islands.
There are some small islands including Al Sow, Al Qarm, Al Humaidha, Al Seyweiriyah and Al Harmalah.
Al Madar Creek, which passes through these islands, forms a passage for fishermen as well as an unforgettable sea picnic. It is also considered as a habitat for wildlife.
These islands gained a great attention from Shaikh Rashid, who ordered to turn Al Seeniyah Island into a sanctuary for birds, fish and rare animals.
Archaeological excavations were carried out in Umm Al Quwain in line with Shaikh Rashid's instructions to look for the roots of human existence in the emirate and deep relations with the history of the UAE and surrounding areas.
