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Famous Emiratis

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi (1908 to 1974) ruled Fujairah from about 1937 to 1974. Britain recognised Fujairah's separate identity in 1952, and he opened the emirate's first primary school in 1961 with 90 students.

Updated October 2026 · Facts checked 22 October 2026

Britain recognises Fujairah
19521
Britain recognises Fujairah
Students at the first primary school, 1961
901
Students at the first primary school, 1961

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi

At a glance

At a glance
Item Detail
Name in Arabic الشيخ محمد بن حمد الشرقي
Lived 1908 to 1974
Ruler of Fujairah About 1937 to 1974

Source: UAE Government Portal: Founders of the Union1

His rule

Sheikh Mohammed held to a separate identity for Fujairah, which Britain acknowledged in 1952. He formalised the Sharia court system, began road building in 1969 and opened the emirate's first library.1

  • The first primary school, opened in 1961 with 90 students
  • An agreement with Britain in 1965 to build an airport
  • The first dispensary, opened in 1969

Source: UAE Government Portal: Founders of the Union1

Sources

  1. UAE Government Portal: Founders of the Union

Facts checked 22 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information.

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