Al Qasimi

The Al Qasimi (spelled sometimes as Al Qassimi or Al Qassemi; plural: Al Qawasem القواسم) are one of the six ruling families of the United Arab Emirates and rule two of the seven emirates: Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah.

The dynasty claim to be descended from the Prophet Muhammad. After the dissolution of the Yaruba dynasty in the first half of the 18th century CE, the Al Qassimi dynasty began their leadership and formed a large emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Lengeh.

The Al Qawasem, based at Ras al-Khaimah, emerged as a major maritime power during the eighteenth century. They ruled some of the shores and islands of Persia, like Bandar Lengeh, that were opposite to today's U.A.E in different eras between (1800—1890). Their control of trade in the Persian Gulf area led to conflict with Oman and eventually with Britain. In 1819, the British defeated Al Qawasem after several naval battles. The Qawasim were also principal leaders of the Persian Gulf pirates from the early 18th century.

It is believed that the progenitor of the Al Qassimi family known as Qasim I came to Julfar in the seventeenth century and made it the dynasty's capital. Today, two branches of the Al Qasimi royal family rule the Emirates of Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. Each Emirate is ruled by an emir (colloquially called "sheikh" as with other emirs in the region).

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