Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the late Ruler of Dubai (1912-1990), is considered the architect of modern Dubai - it was during his time that development projects moved out of the boardroom to become a reality.

The metamorphosis began in the 1940s, and today, the wonder that is Dubai, bears testimony to his vision and insight.

Sheikh Rashid's vision of a highly advanced city started taking shape when he was directly involved in the running of the city's affairs in 1939. He was Crown Prince under his father, Sheikh Saeed's rule.

His first major achievement was the setting up of a much-needed Postal Office in 1941. Then came the medical health care system which was officially initiated with the opening of Al Maktoum Hospital in 1949.

In 1954, Sheikh Rashid signed an agreement with the then Imperial Bank of Iran. One of the articles stipulated that the bank would employ UAE nationals as clerks and junior staff whenever there was a vacancy, thus generating employment opportunities.

Another important factor in Sheikh Rashid's development plans for the city was the establishment of a municipal council in 1958. Its duty was to run hygiene and sanitary facilities in a growing city. The role of the council, which eventually became a more structured municipality, was also to oversee all development plans for the newly-emerging modern city.

On his father's death in 1958, Sheikh Rashid became the Ruler of Dubai.

He pursued the development plans for Dubai which had started during his father's lifetime – one such project being the Dubai Electricity Company.

In 1960, Sheikh Rashid officially inaugurated Dubai International Airport to meet the increasing number of visitors to the city. The airport then only had a small terminal, a control tower and a few duty free shops.

Linking the twin cities

Another of his dream projects was to connect Dubai and Deira – this was accomplished with the opening of the dual carriageway Al Maktoum Bridge in 1963 which linked the twin city as it is known today.

The expansion of Dubai Creek also helped connecting other parts of the city and allowed shipping activity. The expansion project began in 1959 and was completed a year later.

In 1968, a meeting between two leaders forged the foundation of an important alliance. President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan met with Sheikh Rashid at Assemaih, located on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to discuss a union between the two emirates.

Negotiations eventually paved the way for the formation of the UAE as a federation with other emirates being invited to join in.

With the formation of the UAE federation in 1971 under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid became the UAE's Vice-President (1971-1990) and later held the position of Prime Minister (1979-1990).

Sheikh Rashid's other main project was Jebel Ali Port whose foundation was laid in 1976 and partial operations began in 1979. This helped ease the load on the existing port in the city.

The first highrise tower to be built on Sheikh Zayed Road was the Dubai World Trade Centre. It was inaugurated by Sheikh Rashid and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.

The World Trade Centre was only the beginning. Soon buildings mushroomed and transformed the skyline to what is a breath-taking drive down the highway today.

Sheikh Rashid had once said: "The living man, or more exactly, a man who deserves to live, is the one who works for the present and the future of his country and adds new glories to those achieved by his forefathers."

He believed that Dubai should plan for a time when oil would no longer be the city's main source of income, and work towards building a structure that would withstand the test of time with its trials.

Projects that were described when proposed or launched as being grand and too ambitious, turned out to be minuscule as the city grew and developed beyond anyone's comprehension and imagination.

Women's role

Sheikh Rashid also saw women playing an important role in society. "If women succeed in education they will know how to help the UAE. One day I foresee women playing a vital role in the economy, social areas and government," he had said.

Today marks the 11th death anniversary of Sheikh Rashid. Sheikh Rashid's vision has come into fruition. His dreams are a reality.

Today, under the leadership of his sons, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, the emirate has dreams once again. And, the wonder continues to transform.