Facts About Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Dubai, is celebrating his 75th birthday on July 15th, and in honor of his birthday, we're sharing a few things you should know about Sheikh Mohammed. 

His Early Years

Sheikh Mohammed was the third son of Sheikh Rashid ibn Saeed Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai from 1958 until 1990. 

Sheikh Mohammed enjoyed a happy and carefree early childhood in the Al Maktoum family home located at Al Shindagha.

From an early age, he learned hunting and the noble Arabian sport of falconry. He also learned the basic skills of horsemanship from his father.

His Education

After Sheikh Mohammed finished his secondary education in Dubai, he studied English in Cambridge, England.

Sheikh Mohammed threw himself into the vibrant Cambridge student literature scene and integrated himself fully into the student life.

Later, he received military training at a cadet school in Mons Officer Cadet School - Aldershot, which is now part of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

His Highness was promoted to Senior Under-Officer of Kohema during the stages of the six-month course at Aldershot, and was later awarded the sword of honour for achieving the highest mark of any foreign and commonwealth officer cadet in his intake.

His Early Governance Journey 

Sheikh Mohammed was appointed him as the Head of Dubai Police and Public Security in 1968. This was his first public position, then later he was appointed as Minister of Defence in 1971, becoming the world's youngest defence minister.

After his father became ill in the early 1980s, Mohammed and his three brothers took charge of Dubai's affairs. Among his most notable achievements during this period was the development of the free-trade zone around the Jebel Ali port, which became the business center for thousands of industrial companies.

On October 7th,1990, Sheikh Rashid passed away, but Sheikh Mohammed and his brothers quickly continued to steer some of Dubai’s most ambitious projects to attract international business and luxury tourists.

Sheikh Mohammed Becomes Crown Prince of Dubai

On January 3rd, 1995, Sheikh Maktoum, the then Ruler of Dubai, signed a decree appointing Sheikh Mohammed as Crown Prince of Dubai.

The Ruler of Dubai, the Vice President and the Prime Minister of the UAE

On January 4th, 2006, Sheikh Mohammed became the Ruler of Dubai following the death of his elder brother Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The members of the UAE Supreme Council then elected him as the Vice President of the UAE on January 5th, 2006.

On February 11th, 2006, the late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the then President nominated Sheikh Mohammed to become the Prime Minister of the UAE, and the Council approved this nomination.

His Hobbies and Passion

Within the stories of his journey lies the heart of Sheikh Mohammed the equestrian, and the poet. 

Sheikh Mohammed began composing Nabati poetry while he was still at school. When Sheikh Mohammed's poems were first published in the newspapers, they appeared under several fictitious names as he wanted to be sure that people genuinely admired his poetry.

Poetry has allowed him to express the creative, sensitive side of his nature. 

Also, Sheikh Mohammed learned to ride horses in his early childhood and was a promising athlete. Equestrianism was and is his true sporting passion.

He established Godolphin in 1994 as Sheikh Mohammed wanted to race his horses all over the world and to encourage others to do the same, and the racing world really began to acknowledge his passion for horses.