Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi

Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi (18th century – 1866) was the ruler (1803–1840, 1840–1866) of the emirates of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah on the Trucial Coast (currently known as the United Arab Emirates). He was known as one of the most famous and powerful rulers of the Al Qasimi family in the UAE. He was known for his objection to British interference in the issues of the coast and the attacks against British shipping that took place under his rule. Following a series of such attacks extending to the coast of India, a British expeditionary force was sent to Ras Al Khaimah and sacked the town, setting it to fire and also burning the vessels, 'upwards of fifty', in the port. The fleet then sailed to attack other Al Qasimi ports in the Gulf, including Lingah.

Despite the punitive expedition, attacks continued against British ships, including a spirited attempt to take the frigate Caroline and attacks on the cruiser Aurora, the Persia and the schooner Cintra and culminating in the capture of the armed boat Turrarow. A second expeditionary force under WG Keir took Ras Al Khaimah on 9 December and Sultan bin Saqr agreed to the General Maritime Treaty of 1820, leading to the Perpetual Treaty of Peace, signed by the leaders of the coastal emirates on 4 May 1853.^[1] It was this treaty that led to the emirates being called the Trucial States before independence in 1971 saw the foundation of the United Arab Emirates.

References

1. Schofield, R (1990). Islands and Maritime Boundaries of the Gulf 1798–1960. UK: Archive Editions. pp. 130–139. ISBN 978-1-85207-275-9.

In May 1840, Sultan's son Saqr led a coup against his father's rule, which was brought to an end in December 1840, Sultan bin Saqr going on to rule until his death in 1866.