Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamada Al Sharqi (1908-1974) ruled Fujairah from about 1937 to 1974. He believed in a separate identity of Fujairah, which was finally acknowledged by Britain in 1952. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Sharqi’s father is one of the famous courageous and strong leaders in the region. His maternal grandfather is Mohammed Bin Yarub Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan who is a well-known Yarubi leader. He took up the reins of government in the Emirate of Fujairah in 1938 following the death of his brother Sheikh Seif Bin Hamad Bin Abdulla. He was known for his generosity, kindness and affection to his people. He used to come to their rescue, pay off their debts and make their lives easier. Since he assumed power, he exerted all efforts to develop his Emirate and was instrumental in its major administrative revival. He established the Municipality Council, the Court and opened the first formal school (Al Sabahiya School), in Fujairah, (1961-1962). He opened the first medical clinic and the first hospital in 1967. He took care of agriculture and allocated plots of land to citizens. He promoted fishing and supported fishermen. He established the transport network and a series of internal roads to facilitate movement between the cities and villages of Fujairah. During his rule, the Emirate enjoyed independence and sovereignty, and witnessed major development. Sheikh Mohammed appointed his son Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi as Crown Prince and Chairman of Police and Public Security to assist him in running Fujairah affairs. He was deeply convinced that the real wealth is the educated and trained citizens who are capable of shouldering the responsibility of planning and implementing development projects. He was famous for his Arab traditional costume: the white checkered scarf and the black head cord. He was humble, generous and fond of poetry. He was an advocate of justice and keen on fair trade, especially adjusting scales in markets. During his rule, the Fujairah Gazette was issued and the Sharia Court was established, both in 1969. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi welcomed the notion of the union and played a favorable role together with his fellow rulers of the other Emirates in proclaiming the federation state. He participated in its establishment on December 2, 1971. He signed the UAE constitution and embarked on the huge construction journey that the UAE witnessed in general and Fujairah in particular in all fields. After a life journey of great efforts and giving, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi passed away in a hospital in London, where he was receiving treatment, on Tuesday September 17, 1974. He left behind a legacy of countless achievements. The UAE was shocked by his death. His stately funeral was led by Sheikh Zayed and Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, together with Their Highnesses the Sheikhs, Their Excellencies the Ministers and a large number of the UAE people. His son Hamad succeeded him and took the reins of government in Fujairah, during whose rule the Emirate has witnessed a major revival in all fields. Some of his other initiatives include: setting up the first primary school, which opened in 1961 with 90 students establishing a deal with the British in 1965 to create an airport setting up the first dispensary, opened in 1969