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The Trucial Slates in iggg: The Dawn of a New Age 189

his confusion: ‘This case is formidable!’37 The same can be said
today, as Sharjah, whose hold on Dibba continued to be only
nominal, and Fujairah, whose territory naturally takes in the town,
share ownership of the southern part of Dibba town, the northern
part being still within the jurisdiction of the sultan of Oman;
the town is thus divided into three sections, each one ruled by
a different state.
The two remaining shaykhdoms, Ajman and Umm al-Qaiwain,
because of their tiny size and corresponding lack of influence in
the political arena of the Coast, were comparatively quiet and
untroubled. Ahmad bin Rashid, who rules over Umm al-Qaiwain
today, led a secluded life but managed all the same to acquire
considerable wealth for himself, despite the great economic depression.
Shaykh Rashid bin Humayd of Ajman had a good reputation
with the bedouin, who respected his rigorous punishment of thieves.
In Ajman town he was popular, his rule was just and his taxes
low, all factors that contributed to a rise in the town’s importance.
His manner with the British authorities was generally respectful,
hospitable and polite, and, although he was not on very good
terms with his neighbours, he showed little concern or anxiety.38
His rule also continues till the present.