Dubai: Today (Thursday, October 7, 2010) marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, former Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
When Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan called for the formation of the federation, Shaikh Rashid was the first to join on December 2nd 1971. He provided full support to Shaikh Zayed, the founder of the union and the other rulers of the emirates and so has been described as the true co-founder of the United Arab Emirates.
During his rule, Dubai grew from a small trading town into a major cosmopolitan city and a commercial hub.
New schools, houses, roads, bridges connecting the two sides of the city, and ports connecting the emirate to the world were built during his time.
Shaikh Rashid laid the foundation of some of the major infrastructure projects in the emirate. In 1960, Dubai International Airport was officially opened which was then constituted of a small building, an air traffic control tower, and the first duty free area in the region. During the same year, Shaikh Rashid ordered for the establishment of a telephone and an electricity company.
In 1962, the opening of Maktoum Bridge came as an important step as it links the two major parts of the city together.
Other main projects during the time of Shaikh Rashid were the opening of Rashid Port in 1971 and the start of work for the Jebel Ali Port.
Shaikh Rashid worked hand-in-hand with Shaikh Zayed and the rulers of the emirates to transform the UAE into a modern, developed nation.
Shaikh Rashid passed away in October 1990.
Source: The Official Website of the UAE Cabinet.
