Biography Of The Famous Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the vice president, prime minister, and ruler of Dubai for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He is the inspiration behind contemporary Dubai and the emergence of the United Arab Emirates on the world stage.

By approving two decrees, his older brother made him the “Crown Prince of Dubai.” He then took over as the king of Dubai. The “Federal National Council” chose him to serve as vice president of the United Arab Emirates. He was also proposed as the UAE’s prime minister.

The legendary Mohammed bin Rashid AI Maktoum and his life will be covered in full in this article.

Table of Contents

Overview On Academics

Before enrolling at the “Mons Officer Cadet School” in Aldershot, first studied at the “English Language School of the Bell Educational Trust” in the UK.

By traveling to Italy to train as a pilot after completing his cadet training. His father appointed him as the commander of the “Dubai Police Force” and the “Dubai Defense Force.” Later, he gets appointed as the country’s first defense minister.

He played a key role in the founding of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, Emirates Airlines, and well-known structures including the Burj Khalifa.

With six wives and nine boys and fourteen daughters. The mother of his presumed heir, Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, and one of his wives, Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, referred to as the “First Lady of Dubai.”

Quick Facts

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Age: 73 Years

Family: Spouse/Ex-: Haya Bint Al Hussein (M. 2004), Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum (M. 1979)

Father: Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Mother: Latifa Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan

Children: Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum,

Hessa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,

Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (III),

Maktoum Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum,

Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,

Maryam Bint Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum (I),

Rashid Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum,

Shaikha Bint Mohammed

Bin Rashed Al Maktoum

Born Country: United Arab Emirates

City: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Childhood And Early Life

He was born on July 15, 1949, to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Latifa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan in Al Shindagha, Dubai, Trucial States (now the UAE).

The Maktoum family, who ruled Dubai from the “House of Al-Falasi,” has three sons. His mother was an Abu Dhabi emir’s daughter.

Since he was 4 years old, he has received private instruction in both Arabic and Islamic studies. His official schooling began in 1955 at the “Al Ahmedia School,” from which he later transferred to the “Al Shaab School.” Two years later, he enrolled in the “Dubai Secondary School.” When he was younger, he enjoyed horses and stopped by the stables on his way to school.

Career

When he returned to Dubai after completing his military training, his father appointed him the chief of the “Dubai Police Force” and the “Dubai Defence Force.” The British troops left the Trucial States soon after. In December 1971, he was well appointed as the UAE’s first defense minister.

There were many clashes between opposing tribes now as they fought for dominance. In January 1972, he played a crucial role in putting down the coup attempt against the Emirate of Sharjah’s ruler. When the hijacked JAL 404, operated by the “Japanese Red Army,” landed in Dubai in 1973, he was responsible and engaged in negotiations. Additionally, he participated in discussions with the hijackers of “KLM 861.”

Additionally, he was in charge of the “Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.” In October 1985, he played a key role in the establishment of the Dubai-based airline “Emirates.” Later on, “Emirates” rose to prominence as a major airline.

His interest in aviation inspired him to launch the inaugural “Dubai Airshow” in 1985. Every year, the exhibition continues to be the site of some of the largest plane transactions in the area.

By issuing two decrees in January 1995, his older brother Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum designated him as the “Crown Prince of Dubai.” After his brother passed away in January 2006, Mohammed took over as the ruler of Dubai.

He was then named the vice president of the UAE by the “Federal National Council,” and President Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan proposed him for the position of the prime minister of the UAE in February 2006.

He implemented significant changes to the federal government’s governance while serving as prime minister of his nation to improve coordination and planning in the social, economic, legislative, and judicial sectors on both the national and local levels.

In February 2010, he made “Vision 2021” available. It was a strategy on the national agenda and a long-term strategy masterpiece.

He unveiled the concept of “Dubai Internet City,” which developed into a free-trade zone and technological hub that attracted investments from all over the world. As a result, “Dubai Media City,” a hub for media companies without paying taxes, became available.

Other centers, such as “Dubai Healthcare City” and “Dubai Knowledge Village,” were also formed with his help.

Targeting high-profile offenders like the head of “Dubai Customs” and state-run real estate firms, he demonstrated zero tolerance for corruption and acted to eradicate it from the system.

The establishment of “Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives” (MBRGI) to advance humanitarian aid, and effect change, to improve the quality of life for individuals who are downtrodden globally. Also started several initiatives that assist more than 130 million people in 116 nations.

He backs the Palestinian cause against Israeli occupation. Emphasized the necessity of pursuing a two-state solution to bring about peace in the area and the need to resolve the Palestinian issue before restoring diplomatic ties with Israel.

Additionally, he has given respectable donations toward the rehabilitation of Afghans and Palestinians in war-torn areas.

Major Works

He is the author of several books, including My Vision: Challenges in the Race for Excellence (2004),

Poems from the Desert (2009),

Spirit of the Union: Lecture on the Occasion of the United Arab Emirates 40th National Day (2012),

Flashes of Thought: Lessons in Life and Leadership from the Man Behind Dubai (2015).

Achievements

His fight against corruption and the creation of the “Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government” are his two greatest political accomplishments.

He played a key role in the establishment of Dubai Ports World and the debut of Emirates Airlines.

The “Burj Khalifa” and the “Burj Al Arab” are two iconic buildings that were built during his administration.

Personal Life And Legacy

As a young man, Sheikh Mohammed began penning Arabic poetry and at first used aliases to hide his identity. Later, to support regional culture, he established the “Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding” (SMCCU).

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards were also announced by him.

He is reported to have six marriages and nine sons and fourteen daughters. In 1979, he wed Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, his first cousin.

Haya bint Al Hussein, Jordan’s King Hussein’s daughter, is one of his other spouses. She represented Jordan in the show jumping event at the 2000 “Summer Olympics” and has held the position of president of the “International Federation for Equestrian Sports” (FEI) for two terms.

Trivia

Sheikh Mohammed is the owner of many companies, including Dubai World and Dubai Holding. His businesses have made global forays into real estate, logistics, banking, hotels, and communications.

By combining “Dubai Ports Authority” and “Dubai Ports International,” he created “DP World.” In acquiring ports, the company rose to become a major participant on the world stage. Politicians in the US soon voiced their disapproval of the company’s buy of many US ports.

Sheikh Mohammed gave the go-ahead to create the “Burj Al Arab” so that the world’s most opulent hotel could be housed in an iconic structure. On an island near Jumeirah Beach, it is built.

Sheikh Mohammed opened the “Burj Khalifa,” the tallest structure in the world, in January 2010. It is situated in “Downtown Dubai,” which is also home to “The Dubai Mall,” the biggest retail center in the entire world.

A premier academic and research institution in the field of administration with a focus on the Arab region is the “Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government.” Additionally, it keeps tight ties with international organizations and hosts international administration conferences.

He is also a prominent person in the horse breeding industry and the owner of “Darley Stud,” one of the largest breeding facilities in the world with properties in the US, England, Ireland, and Australia. He founded the “Dubai World Cup,” one of the most prestigious international horse racing competitions.

His support of the use of thousands of young boys as jockeys in camel races as slaves earned him criticism. He was charged because he permitted the use of dangerous steroids in horse racing. In many instances, he was also charged with torturing his daughters.