Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum( 11 June 1912 – 7 October 1990) Sheikh Rashid could be called as the first visionary of the modern UAE. It was during his rule that Dubai grew from a small trading town into a major cosmopolitan city. Sheikh Rashid was born in Dubai in 1912, the same year as his father Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum became the Ruler of Dubai. He attended the Al Ahmadiya School; his studies included Islamic studies, Arabic and arithmetic. As the first-born son of Sheikh Saeed, Sheikh Rashid involved himself at an early age in the politics of the emirate. He frequently attended his father's Majlis; ever curious, he would listen attentively to each man's problem or opinion. Eager to comprehend the precise details of governance, he spent long hours asking questions to his parents about the events of the day. Sheikh Rashid had exceptional leadership attributes and abilities. He helped his father in all fields; especially the economic affairs. On 10 September 1958, his father Sheikh Saeed passed away. Sheikh Rashid succeeded him and become the Ruler of Dubai in October the same year. Sheikh Rashid’s enthusiasm to put his birthplace on the world map was as boundless as his love for his people. His foresight, wise decision-making and willingness to listen to the opinions of his people, whether they were representatives of influential families or common people, are well documented. The UAE witnessed a significant amount of construction activity in the 1970s, most of which was in Dubai. Sheikh Rashid's participation in the Trucial States Council played a significant role in preparing for the formation of the Union. He worked with Sheikh Zayed to issue the Union Accord between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in February 1968. In 1971, he with late Sheikh Zayed pioneered the efforts that led to the UAE's formation in December 1971. where he was appointed as the Vice-President, and as Prime Minister of UAE in 1979. Sheikh Rashid encouraged democracy and quoted: “Every citizen in this country has the opportunity to express their opinion frankly and clearly and to criticise the government as well.”