RAK emirate’s Khalid contests succession after father’s death

Sheikh Khalid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, son of the deceased ruler of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, has contested his brother’s succession to the throne, which has been endorsed by the UAE.

“I want the Constitution on the succession in Ras Al Khaimah to be honored, where the whole family and tribes decide the succession,” Khalid said in a statement from the emirate sent by e-mail by a spokesman. “I will accept the outcome of a constitutional vote, not a decision taken by others for their own economic benefit.”

The Emirates’ Supreme Council Wednesday approved Sheikh Khalid’s younger half-brother, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, as the new ruler, according to the official news agency WAM.

Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven members of the UAE, lies on the Strait of Hormuz, an artery for a fifth of the world’s oil. It was ruled by Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi between 1948 and his death Wednesday at the age of 92. In 2003, Sheikh Saqr switched his preference to Sheikh Saud as heir. Sheikh Khalid alleges that his half-brother fosters trade with RAK’s near-neighbor, Iran.