DUBAI, Oct 27: Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed al-Qassimi, ruler of the strategic emirate of Ras al-Khaima and one of the world’s longest reigning monarchs, died on Wednesday, sparking a war of succession between two of his sons. Sheikh Saqr, 92, died at dawn in Ras al-Khaima, according to WAM, the official news agency of the United Arab Emirates.

The sheikh, who has been suffering from failing health, has ruled the emirate located on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which some 40 percent of the world’s oil is shipped, since 1948.

WAM said that his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al-Qassimi, “the ruler of Ras al-Khaima,” had announced 40 days of mourning in the emirate.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Saud’s elder brother, Sheikh Khaled, proclaimed himself ruler of the emirate in a video message posted on his website soon after his father’s death.

The two brothers were caught in a power tussle in 2003 when their father demoted Sheikh Khaled and appointed his younger brother Sheikh Saud as crown prince.

No reasons for the change were ever made public. “On (my father’s) passing away I should assume his duties and obligations as the ruler of Ras al-Khaima in accordance with the law and constitution of the United Arab Emirates,” Sheikh Khaled said in the video.

“In the coming days and weeks I will be meeting with my family and friends, members of the supreme council, and rulers of the UAE outlining my agenda for the hundred days of my lawful leadership,” he added.

Riad Kahwaji, head of the Dubai-based think-tank INEGMA, said Sheikh Khaled’s bid for the throne would amount to little more than a “media campaign” only if he gets the consent of UAE leaders.

Kahwaji said Sheikh Khaled has in the past claimed to have met top Emirati officials in a bid to reclaim the throne, but no pictures or official statements ever emerged from the supposed meetings.

“If the tribal leaders in Ras al-Khaima and the rest of the UAE support the current crown prince as a ruler, then the situation will not escalate,” Kahwaji said. “Until now we have not heard any voices in Ras al-Khaima calling for the return of Sheikh Khaled.”

In an immediate official recognition for Sheikh Saud’s rule over the emirate, the UAE’s Federal Supreme Council on Wednesday “expressed its full support for Sheikh Saud, as ruler of Ras al-Khaimah,” in a statement carried by WAM.—AFP