Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the
United Arab Emirates – Ruler of Dubai
 

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

On January 5th, the members of the Supreme Council elected him as the UAE Vice President.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan nominated Sheikh Mohammed for UAE Prime Minister, and the Supreme Council approved this nomination unanimously.

Born in 1949. Finished his primary and secondary education at Zaabeel, Ahmadia and Shaab Schools in Dubai.

In 1964, at the age of 15, he joined Cambridge College in U.K. for civil studies, then joined the Cadet Officers School (MOUNS) and Saint Hurst College for Military Studies. In 1968, he graduated from U.K. and came back to Dubai to start a new era of his life where an Amiri decree was issued appointing him as Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai.

With the formation of the U.A.E. Federation in 1971, he was appointed as Minister of Defense. Sheikh Mohammed was the youngest Minister of Defense in the world at that time.

On the 4th of January 1995, he was appointed as Crown Prince of Dubai Emirate. In the same year, he was chosen as the man of the year.

In 1998, Vert Hagen University in Germany awarded him an honorary Ph.D. in culture, education, economy, politics, poetry, sports and social affairs.

In 1998, Savok University in USA awarded him honorary Ph.D. in Commercial Sciences.

His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is mostly known for his humanitarian efforts despite his keen efforts to keep a low profile in this respect.

Away from official ceremonies and protocols, Sheikh Mohammed is always personally interested in taking part in all social, athletic and national occasions and gatherings. He shows special interest in social interaction with people of all levels.

His Highness continued support of the youth sector aims at achieving full participation of this sector in the U.A.E. development. He always raised the slogan that “As you sow, so will you reap”. A vital token of this concern is his donation of AED 50 million as a contribution to an ambitious youth program.

His Highness was the first person to propose the establishment of a journalist association in 2001. A few months later, he directed that a journalist club be established; then he made a personal gesture by establishing a social security fund for journalists, further confirming his deep respect and belief in the vital role of journalism.

His Highness deep regard and respect for women’s role in society, as mother, sister, daughter and wife, has been manifested in his declaration that the fifth round of Dubai Festival for the year 2000 will be launched under the slogan “Mother”.

His Highness has always shown great interest in paving the way for U.A.E women to take part in the development of their homeland. The project launched under his directives entitled “Intelaq”, aimed at achieving efficient participation of the U.A.E women in the government departments.

His Highness is also known for his charity contributions, both inside the U.A.E and abroad. He has established a special charity foundation under his name, providing donations to the needy in all respects. This humanitarian concern stems from his belief that man is the primary target and cornerstone of all current and future development plans.

Please visit http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/ for more details