Ruler of Dubai dies
2006-01-04 10:41
Dubai - The ruler of Dubai, United Arab Emirates deputy president Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashed al-Maktoum, died on Wednesday, the official news agency WAM announced.
"The (UAE) president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan announces the death this morning of his highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashed al-Maktoum, vice-president of the council of ministers," the ministry of presidential affairs said.
The statement did not indicate the cause of death nor the age of Sheikh Maktoum.
Forty days of national mourning have been declared.
Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al-Maktoum is expected to succeed him as ruler of the emirate, one of the seven that form the UAE federation.
- SAPA