Sharjah declares three days of mourning after Deputy Ruler dies

Sheikh Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, passed away on Thursday in London, the Sharjah Ruler’s Court confirmed.

A three-day mourning period has been announced in Sharjah, during which UAE flags will be flown at half-mast.

The mourning period will begin after Sheikh Ahmed’s body arrives in the UAE and the funeral prayers are performed.

Condolences will be received through phone calls due to the coronavirus pandemic. The telephone numbers will be announced later, the court said.

Born in 1948 in Sharjah, Sheikh Ahmed was one of the sons of the former ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi.

In addition to his position as Deputy Ruler – a position he held for more than 30 years, he also previously served as the Minister of Justice in the UAE government.

Sheikh Ahmed also served as the chairman of the Sharjah Oil Council and honourary chairman of Dana Gas. He also sat on the board of director of the Sharjah Liquefaction Gas Company (Shalco).

Tributes online were led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince.

تعازينا لصاحب السمو الشيخ الدكتور سلطان بن محمد القاسمي ولشعب الإمارات في وفاة الشيخ أحمد بن سلطان القاسمي طيب الله ثراه … عظم الله أجركم .. وأحسن عزاءكم .. وألهمكم الصبر والسلوان .. إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) July 9, 2020

My sincere condolences to my brother Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and his family on the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi. I pray they are granted patience and solace during these difficult and trying times. May he rest in peace.

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) July 9, 2020