The United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan, died on Tuesday after a long illness, state television said. He was in his early 90s. "The royal court announces to Arab and Islamic countries and the rest of the world the death of the leader of the nation Sheikh Zayed ... on Tuesday evening," an announcement read out on Abu Dhabi television before it switched to readings from Quran said.

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

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, son of Sheikh Zayed, will automatically take over as ruler of the capital. Official sources expect the council to elect Sheikh Khalifa as the next president of the oil-rich federation.

The UAE officials were not immediately available to give details on the death or funeral arrangements.

Sheikh Zayed has led the UAE since its formation in 1971. His death followed reports that his health had deteriorated and he has not been seen in public recently.

In 2000, he received a kidney transplant at a US clinic. He also broke his hip in the clinic, leaving him with a slight limp, and he was said to suffer from a chronic eye problem.

In 2003, he paved the way for a smooth transfer of power after his death, appointing his son Sheikh Mohammed as deputy crown prince of Abu Dhabi which puts him second in line to rule Abu Dhabi after the succession of his brother Sheikh Khalifa.

Copyright Reuters, 2004