DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The president of the United Arab Emirates, who oversaw the transformation of a cluster of tiny desert Persian Gulf sheikdoms into a leading oil and business hub with skyscrapers and sprawling shopping malls, has died. He was 86.

Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, one of the richest rulers in the world according to Forbes magazine, forged close ties with the United States and the West during his rule of the country, which is the world’s ninth largest oil producer.

Sheik Zayed was expected to be succeeded by his eldest son, Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The leaders of the seven emirates that make up the country will appoint the new president within 30 days.

In the meantime, the prime minister – Sheik Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a close relative of Sheik Zayed – will serve as acting president.

Sheik Zayed led the United Arab Emirates since its independence from Britain in 1971. He had been ailing for several years, and had a kidney transplant in August 2000.

Based on Islamic tradition, Sheik Zayed will be buried as soon as possible, most likely today.