Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, born on July 15, 1949, is a prominent Emirati politician and royal figure, currently serving as the ruler of Dubai and holding key positions including vice president, prime minister, and minister of defense of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He succeeded his brother, Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in these roles after his death in 2006. Renowned as a billionaire, Mohammed is chiefly involved in real estate development, playing a pivotal role in Dubai's transformation into a global city. He has overseen the establishment of various government-owned enterprises, such as Emirates Airline and DP World, while spearheading iconic projects like the Palm Islands and the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building globally. Despite his achievements, Mohammed's governance style is autocratic, devoid of democratic institutions, and marked by strict prohibition of internal dissent. Controversy surrounds him, particularly regarding the abduction allegations involving his daughters Shamsa and Latifa, which a British court ruled to have happened on the balance of probabilities. Alongside his political endeavors, Mohammed is an avid equestrian, known for founding the renowned Godolphin stable and Darley thoroughbred breeding operation. He showcased his passion for horse riding by winning the FEI World Endurance Championship in 2012 astride the horse Madji Du Pont, reflecting his multifaceted persona beyond the realm of politics.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum - Wikipedia