Al Maktoum (آل مكتوم in Arabic) is the family name of the ruling dynasty of the emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Al Maktoum family is a branch of the Bani Yas tribe (a lineage the family shares with the Al Nahyan dynasty of Abu Dhabi), a powerful bedouin clan from the interior. The Al Maktoum family descends from the Al Bu Falasah (now known as Al-Falasi) section of the Bani Yas, a tribal federation that was the dominant power throughout most of what is now the United Arab Emirates. ^[1] In 1833, about 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe, under the leadership of Maktoum bin Butti, took over the emirate of Dubai and established the Al Maktoum dynasty in the emirate.^[2]

Simplified family tree showing the line of succession and dates in power - click to enlarge

The Al Maktoum dynasty has ruled Dubai since 1833. Within the federation of the United Arab Emirates, the ruler of Dubai is also the country's Vice President and Prime Minister. The following Al Maktoum members have ruled over Dubai:

• ... - 9 June 1833 Sheikh `Ubayd bin Said
• 9 June 1833 - 1852 Sheikh Maktoum I bin Bati bin Suhayl (d. 1852)
• 1852 - 1859 Sheikh Said I bin Bati (d. 1859)
• 1859 - 22 November 1886 Sheikh Hushur bin Maktoum (d. 1886)
• 22 November 1886 - 7 April 1894 Sheikh Rashid I bin Maktoum (d. 1894)
• 7 April 1894 - 16 February 1906 Sheikh Maktoum II bin Hushur (b. 18.. - d. 1906)
• 16 February 1906 - November 1912 Sheikh Butti bin Suhail (b. 1851 - d. 1912)
• November 1912 - 15 April 1929 Sheikh Saeed II bin Maktum (1st time) (b. 1878 - d. 1958)
• 15 April 1929 - 18 April 1929 Sheikh Mani3 bin Rashid
• 18 April 1929 - September 1958 Sheikh Saeed II bin Maktum (2nd time)
• September 1958 - 7 October 1990 Sheikh Rashid II bin Said Al Maktoum (b. 1912 - d. 1990)
• 7 October 1990 - 4 January 2006 Sheikh Maktoum III bin Rashid Al Maktoum (b. 1943 - d. 2006)
• 4 January 2006 – present Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (b. 1949)

See also[link]

• Bani Yas ‎
• Bani Hareth
• Banu Yam
• Banu Thaqif
• Al Saud
• Liwa Oasis
• UAE
• House of Al-Falasi

References[link]

1. ^ sheikhmohammed.co.ae
2. ^ "The Making of Modern Gulf States: Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Oman", Rosemarie Said Zahlan, Garnett & Ithica Press

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HH The Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم
Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates
Incumbent
Assumed office 5 January 2006 Acting until 11 February 2006
President	Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Deputy	Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2006–09) Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2006–09) Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2009–) Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2009–)
Preceded by	Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum
1st Minister of Defense of the United Arab Emirates
Incumbent
Assumed office December 1971
President	Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Prime Minister	Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Emir of Dubai
Incumbent
Assumed office 4 January 2006
Deputy	Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Preceded by	Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Crown Prince of Dubai
In office 4 January 1995 – 4 January 2006
Monarch	Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Succeeded by	Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Personal details
Born	(1949-07-22) 22 July 1949 (age 62) Dubai, Trucial States
Religion	Sunni Islam
Father	Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Heir Apparent	Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Arabic محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم; Muḥammad bin Rāshid al Maktūm), also Sheikh Mohammed, (born July 22, 1949), is the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and constitutional monarch of Dubai.^[1]

Early life and education[link]

He is the third of Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's four sons (members of Dubai's ruling family Al Maktoum and descendants of the House of Al-Falasi, of which he is the tribal leader^[2]). From the age of four, Sheikh Mohammed was privately tutored in Arabic and Islamic Studies. In 1955, he began his formal education at Al Ahmedia School. At the age of 10, he moved to Al Shaab School, and two years later, he went to Dubai Secondary School. In 1966, he and his cousin, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Maktoum, attended the Bell Educational Trust's English Language School in the United Kingdom.^{[citation needed]}

Marriage and family[link]

His senior wife is Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum whom he married in 1979.

His best-known junior wife is HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, daughter of King Hussein of Jordan and half-sister of current King Abdullah II of Jordan, whom he married on April 10, 2004, and with whom he has two children, a daughter, Al-Jalila, born December 2, 2007 and a son, Zayed, born January 7, 2012.^[3][4][5] Sheikh Mohammed announced the arrival of his son Zayed on Twitter.^[6]

Sheikh Mohammed has 21 officially acknowledged children, eight sons and thirteen daughters, whom his heir and three daughters married with Middle East royalties :

• HH Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, married to HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi
• HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, married to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah
• HH Sheikha Shaikha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum married to HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain

Sporting and cultural interests[link]

Al Maktoum, his sons, and his daughters are known to be avid enthusiasts of traditional Arabic poems and arts, and take part in projects to aid developing countries such as Jordan, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority and Yemen. He writes poetry in Nabati (colloquial Arabic.) ^[7]

They are also sport enthusiasts, especially in horse and camel racing. For example, in the 15th Asian Games in 2006, his son Rashid took the individual gold in Endurance, his sons Rashid, Ahmed, Majid, and Hamdan took the team gold in Endurance,^[8] his niece Latifa took a bronze in Show Jumping,^[9] and his daughter Maitha led the UAE team in taekwondo .^[10]

Thoroughbred horse racing[link]

Racing silks of Sheikh Mohammed

Sheikh Mohammed is a major figure in international thoroughbred horse racing and breeding. In late 1981, he purchased Gainsborough Stud at Woolton Hill, near Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom. He owns Ballysheehan Stud in County Tipperary, Ireland. He also owns Gainsborough Farms Inc in Versailles, Kentucky, United States. His racing operations includes the ownership of Darley Stables and he is the leading partner in his family's Godolphin Stables. Sheikh Mohammed hosts the Dubai World Cup, the world's richest series of horse races.^{[citation needed]}

In the UK, his horses have won numerous important Group One races including several of the British Classic Races. His horses have also won the Irish Derby Stakes and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and in the United States the 2006 Preakness Stakes with Bernardini.^{[citation needed]}

In 2008, he bought the Woodlands Stud empire for more than $460 million.^[11]

Political and business career[link]

On January 3, 1995, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum signed two decrees that appointed Sheikh Mohammed as Crown Prince of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed oversaw the development of numerous projects in Dubai including the creation of the Palm Islands and the luxury Burj Al Arab hotel. He also promoted the construction of Burj Khalifa, which is now the tallest free-standing structure in the world, world's tallest building; its official opening was on Monday, 4 January 2010. During his tenure as Crown Prince he set up Dubai Holding, the debt laden and financially troubled holding company with multi-diversified businesses and investments. He currently owns 99.67% of the company.^[12]

After roughly a decade of de facto rulership,^[13] he became the Ruler of Dubai on January 4, 2006 upon the death of his elder brother Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He was also nominated by the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to be the next Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE on January 5, 2006. The members of the UAE Federal National Council accepted the President's nomination shortly after.^{[citation needed]}

Net worth[link]

Dubai Princely Family

HH The Emir Sheikh HH Sheikha Hind HH The Hereditary Prince HH Sheikha Hassa HH Sheikh Rashid HH Sheikh Maktoum HH Sheikh Ahmed HH Sheikh Saeed HH Sheikha Latifa HH Sheikha Maryam HH Sheikha Sheikha HH Sheikha Futaim HH Sheikha Salamah HH Sheikha Shamma other wives HH Sheikha Manal HH Sheikha Maitha HH Sheikh Majed HH Sheikh Mansour HH Sheikha Shamsa HH Sheikha Mahra and 2 unknown HRH Princess Haya of Jordan HH Sheikha Al Jalila HH Sheikh Zayed HH Sheikh Maktoum HH Sheikh Saeed HH Sheikh Rashid HH Sheikh Hamdan HH Rashid HH Saeed HH Maktoum HH Sheikh Ahmed HH Sheikh Mohammed

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His family wealth in March 2012 is estimated at USD$ 79.5 billion by Forbes magazine.^{[citation needed]}

Charity[link]

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been known for his vast charitable donations. On May 19, 2007, he announced plans to give 10 billion USD to set up the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, an educational foundation in the Middle East.^[14] Sheikh Mohammed stated that the money is meant to bridge the knowledge gap between the Arab region and the developed world. The announcement was made at the 2007 World Economic Forum in Jordan.

Dubai Cares[link]

In September 2007, he launched the Dubai Cares campaign to raise money to educate 1 million children in poor countries. The campaign is Dubai's contribution to the U.N. Millennium Development Goals for providing Children's Primary Education to every child by 2015. The amount donated to this campaign has exceeded AED 1.65 billion (Approximately US$ 450 million).^{[citation needed]}

Noor Dubai[link]

On September 3, 2008, Sheikh Mohammad also launched a new Ramadan initiative under the name "Noor Dubai", aiming to help the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in achieving its goals outlined in VISION 2020: the Right to Sight. Noor Dubai will treat and provide health services to one million people suffering from treatable blindness and visual impairment in developing countries on a local, regional, and international scale.^{[citation needed]}

Controversies[link]

In 2000, the Sheikh funded 4 million euro for the construction of the Essalaam mosque in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, which led to a major controversy.^[15]

Since 2000, international equestrian athletes affiliated with UNICEF have worked to end the "scourge of modern slavery in mounted sports,"^[16] by putting public and diplomatic pressure on Sheikh Mohammed and the UAE government. In 2005, a UNICEF-sponsored programme with the UAE government resulted in the repatriation of hundreds of children formerly enslaved as camel jockeys, and provided them with social services and compensation upon return to their home countries of Pakistan, Sudan, Mauritania, and Bangladesh. The UAE government set aside $US2.7 million in initial funding in 2005 with an additional $US9 million for the second phase, and to enforce compliance, adopted a law officially banning the practice with penalties of jail time and a $US27,200 fine.^[17] UNICEF endorsed the UAE’s efforts and expressed the hopes that “the UAE’s programme will serve as a model to other countries in the region, as a means of ending all forms of exploitation of children”.^[18]

In September 2006, Sheikh Mohammed was accused of encouraging the abduction and enslavement of thousands of boys for use as jockeys in camel races. A class-action suit was filed against him in the state of Florida.^{[19][20][21][22]} However, in 2006, American lawyers representing the UAE raised a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, not on its substance but on the grounds that none of the involved parties resided in the U.S. In July 2007, judge Cecilia Altonaga accepted the motion and dismissed the suit.^{[citation needed]}

On 9 March 2007, the London-based Metro newspaper wrongly published a picture of Sheikh Mohammed, attributing it to the terror suspect Khalid Shaikh Mohammed. The Metro has since apologized for the error.^[23]

References[link]

Further reading[link]

• My Vision - Challenges in the Race for Excellence by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (2006); in Arabic; explains the vision of Sheikh Mohammed for Dubai
• Dubai The Maktoum Story by John M. Smith; in English; a book which criticizes the governance of Sheikh Mohammed

External links[link]

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's official site
• The Official Website of the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates
• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's IT Education Project (ITEP)
• The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation
• Dubai Cares Official Site
• Noor Dubai Official site
• Photos of Dubai - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's yacht—largest in the world

v t e Prime Ministers of the United Arab Emirates Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum • Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum • Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum • Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum (Arabic حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم) also known as "Fazza," the name under which he publishes his poetry, (born 13 November 1982), is the Crown Prince of Dubai, and second eldest son of HH Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum.

Education[link]

Sheikh Hamdan began his schooling in Dubai at the Rashid School For Boys and then continued his studies in the UK.^[1] There, he graduated from Sandhurst and later attended the London School of Economics, but did not graduate.^[2]

Roles and Positions[link]

On 1 February 2008, Sheikh Mohammed appointed Sheikh Hamdan as the Hereditary Prince of Dubai. As the new Hereditary Prince, he has recently appointed new key personal and financial advisors such as global economist John Calverley and hedge fund tycoon James T. Naeem of HN Capital LLP.^[2] He was appointed as the Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council in September 2006.^[2] He also is the head of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, and the president of the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Autism Centre.^[1]

Sport[link]

He is famous as a horse rider, and dives in Al Fujairah.^[1] He is also a semi-professional skydiver.

Personal Life and Family[link]

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the World Economic Forum

Sheikh Hamdan is one of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's 22 children and is a descendant of the House of Al-Falasi. He is known for both his poetry and as a horse rider. His poems are mainly romantic, patriotic and about his family. He publishes his poems under the name Fazza ^[3] (فزاع). Sheikh Hamdan also has a passion for camels, cars and skydiving.

Titles, styles and honours[link]

Monarchical styles of The Crown Prince'
Reference style	His Highness
Spoken style	Your Highness
Alternative style	Sir

Titles and styles[link]

• Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (14 November 1982 - Present)
• His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (4 January 2006 - 1 February 2008)
• His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai (1 February 2008 - present)

Honours[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Website
• www.fazza3.ae
• Non Official Fan Site
• Non Official Site (news with video)
• The 20 Hottest Young Royals - Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Forbes
• www.acceleratedfreefall.com/blog/skydiving-with-the-prince-of-dubai.html

Dubai Princely Family

HH The Emir Sheikh HH Sheikha Hind HH The Hereditary Prince HH Sheikha Hassa HH Sheikh Rashid HH Sheikh Maktoum HH Sheikh Ahmed HH Sheikh Saeed HH Sheikha Latifa HH Sheikha Maryam HH Sheikha Sheikha HH Sheikha Futaim HH Sheikha Salamah HH Sheikha Shamma other wives HH Sheikha Manal HH Sheikha Maitha HH Sheikh Majed HH Sheikh Mansour HH Sheikha Shamsa HH Sheikha Mahra and 2 unknown HRH Princess Haya of Jordan HH Sheikha Al Jalila HH Sheikh Zayed HH Sheikh Maktoum HH Sheikh Saeed HH Sheikh Rashid HH Sheikh Hamdan HH Rashid HH Saeed HH Maktoum HH Sheikh Ahmed HH Sheikh Mohammed

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