When it comes to Shaikh Maktoum, one fact that many would attribute to him is his character and personality, more so than historical dates and events, even though they hold great significance.
History is always carved by individuals of calibre. It is such individuals who play a role in shaping and defining actions that leave an imprint. One such individual is the late Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He will be remembered not only as a man of kindness and generosity but also as a witness to crucial junctures in the history of the UAE in general and Dubai in particular
It is impossible to pay tribute to Shaikh Maktoum without mentioning that his years as a Ruler were intertwined with the history of the formation of the United Arab Emirates. In fact, throughout his life, Shaikh Maktoum was a witness and a key player in the development of Dubai and the UAE federation.
The first exposure to one of the elements to leadership was in 1958 when he delivered a public speech at the ceremony marking the accession of his father, the late Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Shaikh Maktoum was only 15 years old then and the occasion must have been a memorable event for him as it marked the beginning of forging the future of the emirate under the rule of the late Shaikh Rashid. In the 1960s, Shaikh Maktoum was involved in the meetings that were taking place between the Trucial States, a term used to define the emirates before the formation of the UAE in 1971. He was also present in February 1968 at the historical signing of the agreement between the Rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Shaikh Rashid. This was indeed a historic moment to be witness to as it was an initiation towards forming the federation.
Became ruler
At the age of 29, Shaikh Maktoum became the UAE's first Prime Minister from 1972 until 1979. Later, in 1983, he became Deputy Prime Minister. In 1990, following the death of his father, Shaikh Maktoum became Ruler of Dubai and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
During his rule, Shaikh Maktoum built on the foundation laid down by his father. He followed in his footsteps by advocating the same principles of development. It is true to say that Dubai today would not have been able to achieve what it has done so far without the guiding ideas of Shaikh Rashid. But is it not a fact that it would not have been possible for Dubai to progress as it has without these ideas being carried forward by Shaikh Maktoum?
Yet Shaikh Maktoum's role was not limited to ensuring Dubai's progress. In fact, his role in his capacity as Vice-President and Prime Minister came as a boon for the UAE. This was seen during two main periods in the history of the UAE. As Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Maktoum played a pivotal role first during the presidency of the late Shaikh Zayed and second when President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan became the new President. The significance of Shaikh Maktoum's role was not limited to the two presidency periods. Instead, the importance of his role was felt especially during the transitional periods.
It is easy to relay historical dates and events. It is true history can be recounted, revisited, reexamined and reinterpreted by the significance of events. But it is people who make history. And it is people who turn events in history into ones that are documented and remembered.
When it comes to Shaikh Maktoum, one fact that many would attribute to him is his character and personality, more so than historical dates and events, even though they hold great significance. Perhaps what will be remembered most about Shaikh Maktoum is his style of ruling with simplicity and governing the people by relating to them with ease and generosity.
