Wednesday, January 4 2006 12:51 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dubai: UAE Deputy President and Dubai ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashed al-Maktoum died today (Jan 04, 2006), sources said.

"The (UAE) president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan announces the death this morning of his highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashed al-Maktoum, vice president of the council of ministers," an official announcement said.

The cause of the death was not given. Forty days of national mourning have been declared.

Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al-Maktoum is expected to succeed him as ruler of the emirate.