Dubai: Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum was born in 1943, at the large Al Maktoum family home in Dubai's Shindagha area, close to the mouth of Dubai Creek. He was the first son of Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
His early education consisted of private tuition in mathematics, English, Arabic and Islamic studies, to prepare him for the important role that awaited him.
During the early 1960s, Shaikh Maktoum completed his domestic schooling, at which time his father sent him to pursue his education at one of Britain's leading universities.
There, he mixed with boys from different nationalities, many of whom were the children of world leaders and politicians. Undoubtedly, this experience broadened his political vision and proved invaluable in the upheavals that occurred during the second half of the '60s in the Trucial States.
On October 4, 1958 a ceremony to mark the formal accession of Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum as Ruler of Dubai was held. Shaikh Maktoum addressed the people of Dubai on behalf of his father, a clear sign of Shaikh Rashid's faith in his eldest son's potential. From that moment, Shaikh Maktoum became his father's right-hand man.
Throughout the late 1950s and the beginning of the 1960s, Shaikh Rashid and Shaikh Maktoum worked round-the-clock to realise the dream of developing the emirate; their projects included Dubai Airport; the installation of electricity; the development of fresh water resources; and the construction of Dubai's first hotel, numerous schools and new, modern residential districts.
Key negotiator
In 1966, Shaikh Zayed became the leader of Abu Dhabi; and began to enter into serious negotiations as to the long-term future of the Trucial States.
British records show that, from the early '60s, Shaikh Maktoum regularly accompanied his father to meetings of the Trucial States Council, a body comprising the Rulers of all seven shaikhdoms. On January 16, 1968, Britain announced that it would withdraw completely from the Gulf by 1971; consequently, the governments of Dubai and Abu Dhabi decided on a prompt course of action to press the proposed union forward.
Over the six weeks following Britain's announcement, the two shaikhdoms worked on solving outstanding issues between them to reach the basis of the union.
This was a time in which Shaikh Rashid relied heavily on his eldest son. The 25-year-old Shaikh Maktoum became one of the leading political figures on the Trucial Coast, travelling repeatedly to Abu Dhabi for consultations with Shaikh Zayed and senior officials of his government. The fact that so much was achieved in just six weeks stands as testimony to the abilities of Shaikh Maktoum.
On February 18, 1968, he travelled with his father to a desert site on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border to witness one of the most remarkable events in the history of the coast, the signing of the union accord between Shaikh Zayed and Shaikh Rashid. This accord formed the nucleus of the future federation.
On July 10, 1971, Shaikh Rashid and Shaikh Maktoum received delegations from six other shaikhdoms at the Trucial States Council. The mediation role Shaikh Maktoum played was, without doubt, a significant factor in the development of the federation.
On December 2, 1971 the UAE was formally established. The federation process had seen Shaikh Maktoum emerge as a leader of high standing, and this was reflected by subsequent events.
Shaikh Zayed was elected President of the UAE, with Shaikh Rashid as Vice-President. Shaikh Maktoum was appointed the first Prime Minister of the UAE and given the task of forming the fledgling state's first cabinet.
On April 2, 1972 Shaikh Maktoum chaired the first meeting of the UAE Cabinet. Shaikh Maktoum remained as Prime Minister until 1979, when he stood down in favour of his father. Four years later, Shaikh Maktoum returned to the cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister.
Philanthropist
In May 1981, Shaikh Rashid fell ill and the onus fell firmly on his four sons.
Although he recovered, he still needed much rest, leaving the practical management of day-to-day affairs to Shaikh Maktoum, who was ably supported by his brothers, Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Mohammad.
The three brothers formed an effective leadership team that has maintained and expanded their father's legacy.
Shaikh Maktoum worked hard to develop Dubai, and paid particular attention to the promotion of law and order and education.
Throughout the 1980s, Shaikh Maktoum assumed greater responsibilities. He also gained a reputation as a philanthropist.
His generosity remained legendary in Dubai and the UAE. He funded a number of humanitarian projects such as a centre for disabled people, orphanages in Third World and developing countries and the construction of schools inside and outside the UAE.
Following the death of Shaikh Rashid in November 1990, Shaikh Maktoum became Ruler of Dubai and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, positions he has held ever since.
Shaikh Maktoum's return as Prime Minister coincided with one of the most astonishing bursts of national development in the thirty-year history of the UAE.
With an eye on less affluent citizens, Shaikh Maktoum spearheaded a programme to construct thousands of new homes in projects throughout Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. He has also been responsible, along with his brothers, for Dubai's transformation into one of the most impressive cities in the world.
Since 1990, Shaikh Maktoum's leadership of the UAE Government has led to nationwide development projects that have transformed lives even in the most remote areas of the country.
Passion for horses
In Dubai his leadership has resulted in major infrastructure projects, including internationally renowned sporting facilities, an impressive road network, modern parks and gardens, and public libraries. Dubai International Airport has also been expanded and improved to reflect the emirate's status as the regional aviation hub.
Shaikh Maktoum must take much of the credit for introducing Arabs to international horse racing, an area in which they now excel as owners and trainers.
Along with his brothers, he ran the highly successful Godolphin stables.
Shaikh Maktoum was the most successful horse owner in Europe in 1997, with group wins in five European countries. He has played a major role in raising the level of international racing.
The story of Shaikh Maktoum's life is a journey of generosity in all areas; political, economic, educational and sporting. From his time as the first-ever Prime Minister of the UAE until his death, Shaikh Maktoum worked selflessly in support of the UAE.
After the death of his father, Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, he took up the responsibility of developing the country still further and, in cooperation with the then President Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, he certainly accomplished his task.
His generosity remained legendary in Dubai and the UAE. He funded a number
of humanitarian projects such as a centre for disabled people, orphanages in developing countries and the construction of schools inside and outside the UAE.
