Ras al-Khaimah's New Ruler

Sheikh Saud b. Saqr al-Qasimi has become the new ruler of Ras al-Khaimah:

"Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi was yesterday appointed as Ruler of Ras al Khaimah and a member of the UAE's Supreme Council, the nation's highest federal authority.

"Born on February 10, 1956, he is the fourth son of Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.

"He was appointed the Crown Prince and deputy ruler of Ras al Khaimah in 2003, and in recent years has taken on an expanded role in running the emirate's affairs. Sheikh Saud holds a bachelor's degree in economics and political science from Michigan State University."

Saud's accession comes despite intensive lobbying by deposed crown prince Khalid b. Saqr on his own behalf.