Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (born 15 July 1949) is an Emirati politician and royal who serves as the Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. He became Ruler of Dubai on 4 January 2006, succeeding his brother, and was elected Vice President on 5 January 2006 and appointed Prime Minister on 11 February 2006. As the absolute ruler of Dubai, he has overseen its transformation into a global hub for commerce, tourism, and innovation.

His tenure has been marked by landmark projects and enterprises that reshaped the emirate. He launched Emirates airline, DP World, and the Jumeirah Group, and spearheaded iconic developments such as the Palm Islands, Burj Al Arab, and Burj Khalifa. These initiatives positioned Dubai as a leading international destination and a model for urban development and economic diversification.

Beyond his political and economic roles, Sheikh Mohammed is a prominent figure in equestrian sports. He founded the Godolphin stable and the Darley breeding operation, becoming a major force in thoroughbred horse racing worldwide. His earlier career included serving as Head of Dubai Police and Public Security (1968–1970) and as Minister of Defence of the UAE (1971–2020), a post he held for nearly five decades.