Dubai: United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan, the founding father of the Emirates and known as a moderate face in the Arab world, died yesterday (Nov 2, 2004) after prolonged illness. He was 86.

Sheikh Zayed, who had stood for unity of Arabs and emancipation of women in his country, had been keeping an indifferent health ever since he underwent kidney transplant four years ago. His end came in Abu Dhabi.

He led the seven-member oil rich Gulf federation since it was formed in 1971 and got independence from Britain.

"The President's office mourns with the people of the United Arab Emirates and the Arab and Islamic nations the leader of the nation and President. His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan, who passed away today evening, November 2," the President's office said in a statement.

Under the UAE constitution, Vice-President and Prime Minister Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al-Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, will act as President of the Emirates until the federal council, which groups rulers of the seven emirates, meets within 30 days to elect a new head.