An Emirate in Mourning

Photo Courtesy of The National

Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed al Qasimi died on October 27th, 2010, and was laid to rest today. He was the ruler of the emirate Ras Al Khaimah, or RAK since 1948. He was believed to be the world's oldest reigning monarch, but there was an absence of a record-keeping administration at the time of his birth in the Trucial States, so his birthdate of April 9, 1918 isn't official. He's also the last survivor of the seven rulers that founded the United Arab Emirates. He is pictured above on the left with Sheikh Zayed, who Joe calls the "George Washington" of this country.

Above is a map of the UAE to give you can idea of where he ruled. Abu Dhabi is the southernmost city in the map, then Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate. Literally, it means "The Top of the Tent." I put a bright green circle on the map to show you approximately where we live.

According to dubaifaqs.com, when a UAE ruler or their family pass away, most radio stations suspend their normal programming and play subdued music as a sign of respect. In RAK, the mourning period will last 40 days and government institutions will be closed for 1 week. In the rest of the country, the mourning period lasts seven days. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, everything will remain open. In the other emirates, government institutions will close for 3 days. The country also flies flags at half mast.