Dubai’s visionary ruler, Sheikh Mohammed, has a fascinating family history…
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has lead a rapid and globally-redefining transformation of Dubai. From humble beginnings as a sleepy fishing village, the city has grown into a thriving metropolis, and under his visionary leadership, is set to become the happiest city to live and work.
So if you’re keen to learn more about Sheikh Mohammed – and Dubai’s royal family – read on.
The Al Maktoum family have ruled Dubai since the 1800s
Since 1833, to be precise. When the Al Maktoum family arrived in Dubai, it was a very small town, but they recognised the opportunities here. Not much is known about the first Sheikh Maktoum, but he’s described as a ‘courageous, capable leader’, credited with establishing the new principality.
They are descendants of the Bani Yas tribe
The Al Maktoum family descends from the Al Bu Falasah segment of the Bani Yas tribal federation. This widely regarded tribe was a dominant power in the region, and is also the tribe from which the Al Nayhan family – Abu Dhabi’s ruling family – descend from.
Sheikh Mohammed is the 10th member of the Al Maktoum family to serve as Ruler of Dubai
He ascended to the role on January 4, 2006, meaning he has served as Ruler of Dubai for 19 years. He became the ruler of Dubai following the death of his elder brother, Sheikh Maktoum.
Sheikh Rashid was the Ruler of Dubai that helped to form the UAE
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, father of Sheikh Mohammed, ruled Dubai for 32 years from 1958 until his death in 1990. During his rule, he also became the first Vice President of the UAE when the country was formed in 1971, and played an integral part in uniting the emirates at that time.
The last 3 generations of Dubai rulers are credited with its transformation
It was Sheikh Rashid who oversaw the development of high-level projects like the first modern hospital, Jebel Ali Port, and Dubai International Airport, which subsequently saw the birth of Emirates airline.
Upon his death, his son Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum became Ruler of Dubai, a role he had until his own death in 2006. He continued his father’s work, developing major infrastructure projects, an impressive road network, and iconic destinations like the Burj Al Arab.
Then when his brother, Sheikh Mohammed – the current Ruler of Dubai – took office, his visionary leadership has seen the city firmly established as a futuristic metropolis where all are welcome.
Away from their royal duties, the Al Maktoum family are renowned horse racers
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Sheikh Maktoum is largely credited with introducing Arabs to international horse racing. From the 1990s, he ran Godolphin stables alongside Sheikh Mohammed and their brothers and helped to raise the standard of international racing. Godolphin is still owned by Sheikh Mohammed and now operates across four continents, although the main base remains in Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed has a number of passions
As well as horse riding, the current Ruler of Dubai has a number of interests. From a young age, he learned falconry, hunting, and horsemanship, but became passionate about equestrian after first visiting a racecourse in England in 1967. Apart from sports, Sheikh Mohammed is a talented poet, and he is widely acknowledged as one of the finest exponents of Nabati verses.
