Muʿalla Family, al-
MUʿALLA FAMILY, AL-
Ruling family of the emirate of Umm al-Qaywayn in the United Arab Emirates.
The first member of the Muʿalla dynasty was Majid Al Ali, who rose to power in 1775 as leader of the area's largest tribe, the Al Ali. During the early years of the twentieth century the emirate was ruled by Rashid ibn Ahmad (r. 1904–1922), a reputedly forceful leader who was successful in encouraging some tribes to seek his protection, thus expanding the territories of his emirate. His son, Ahmad bin Rashid al-Muʿalla, ruled from 1929 to 1981 and was known for his piety, support for modern education, and his membership in the Trucial States Rulers' Council in 1952. He also was honored as a Member of the British Empire. He was succeed by his son Rashid (b. 1930) in 1981.
see also umm al-qaywayn; united arab emirates.
Bibliography
Anthony, John Duke. Arab States of the Lower Gulf: People, Politics, Petroleum. Washington, DC: Middle East Institute, 1975.
Reich, Bernard, ed. Political Leaders of the Contemporary Middle East and North Africa: A Biographical Dictionary. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1990.
anthony b. toth