1972 Sharjawi coup d'état attempt

1972 Sharjawi coup
Part of Decolonization

Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates
DateJanuary 24, 1972 - January 25, 1972
Location25°21′27″N 55°23′27″E / 25.3575°N 55.390833°E / 25.3575; 55.390833
Result

Coup failed

Belligerents

United Arab Emirates

Supported by:
United Kingdom
Sharjawi dissidents
Commanders and leaders
Khalid bin Muhammad Al Qasimi 
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi
Units involved
Khalid loyalists
Union Defence Force
Saqr loyalists
Egyptian Mercenaries
Strength
~2,400 UDF 25
Casualties and losses
Khalid bin Muhammad Al Qasimi
1 bodyguard
1 British officer (wounded)
Several scouts wounded

In 1972, shortly after the formation of the United Arab Emirates, the former sheikh of Sharjah, Saqr Al Qasimi, attempted to regain control over the emirate from his cousin Khalid bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. Although Saqr was able to secure the emirate's palace, and kill Khalid, an intervention by the UAE's Union Defence Force besieged Saqr and eventually forced his surrender.