Sharjah saw a rare gathering of the UAE's most senior rulers and officials following the death of Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi. Leaders from across the Emirates visited the home of Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, in Al Badi' suburb to pay their respects. The official mourning period began on Friday, 11 September 2026, lasting three days. Condolences for men were received at the Al Badee residence, while women gathered at the late Sheikh's home in Al Tarfana, according to Sharjah24 and Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Those attending included His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, and His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Crown Princes Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla and Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi were also present. The funeral prayer took place at King Faisal Mosque after Asr prayer, followed by burial at Al Jubail Cemetery, as reported by Sharjah24 and Emarat Al Youm.
Senior government ministers, including Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Abdullah bin Muhair Al Ketbi, and Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, joined the gathering. High-ranking police and security officials, business leaders, and directors from the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority and the Department of Statistics and Community Development were also in attendance, reflecting the family's influence in Sharjah's public life.
Inside the condolence majlis, members of the Al Qasimi family were joined by other senior figures from Sharjah's government and community. Sheikh Faisal bin Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Salem Al Qasimi, Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamid Al Qasimi, Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, and Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Hamid Al Qasimi were among those present. Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi and Sheikh Haitham bin Saqr Al Qasimi, representing Khorfakkan and Kalba, also attended. Emarat Al Youm reported the presence of the Ruler of Sharjah, his deputy, and other high-ranking officials, in line with national protocol.
Condolences came from beyond Sharjah, with Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi representing Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah. Senior police officers and business leaders also attended, showing the sense of national solidarity at a time of loss. The scale of the gathering and the range of officials present reflect the UAE's tradition of unity, as regularly noted in WAM state news agency reports on national leadership.
For Dubai residents, the event highlights the close connections among the UAE's leaders and the importance placed on tradition and unity. The passing of Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi brought together figures from across the Emirates, underlining the strength of leadership ties and the values that support the country's stability.
