As the visionary leader reaches this milestone, the emirate he has guided for decades stands as a testament to his ambitious initiatives in technology, infrastructure, and human development
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai is celebrating his 75th birthday today, Monday, July 15.
Sheikh Mohammed became the ruler of Dubai in 2006, and his visionary leadership has transformed the emirate into a global hub. And Dubai will continue to evolve under his Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan which maps out a comprehensive future map for sustainable urban development of the city.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai also was named Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, pays tribute to his father in social media message
On Sunday, he shared a video montage chronicling Sheikh Mohammed’s life, from a young child growing up in Dubai before the formation of the UAE through to his role leading the transformation of the city into a global business and tourism hub.
“Happy birthday,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X, accompanied by the footage spanning several decades.
“Today, we celebrate a visionary leader, a wise teacher, a loving father, and a beacon of kindness, who has positioned Dubai and the UAE as global pioneers in innovation and excellence. His dedication and wisdom continues to inspire us to dream bigger and aim higher. Thank you for your leadership and for guiding us towards a brighter future. Happy Birthday @HHShkMohd!” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. Chairman, Dubai Airports. Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said via X (formerly known as Twitter).
Early years
Sheikh Mohammed was born on July 15, 1949, at the Al Maktoum house in Al Shindagha. The third of four sons born to HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mohammed was privately educated from the age of four, beginning his formal studies at the age of six at a local primary school.
Education
Fast forward 11 years, and in 1966 Sheikh Mohammed went to study at an English language in Cambridge. From there, he would go on to attend Mons Officer Cadet School-Aldershot (currently the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst), as his studies took a military turn. Here he became the top Commonwealth student.
He returned to Dubai in 1968, and at the tender age of 19 received his first public position as head of the Dubai Police and Public Security. Three years later he was appointed Minister of Defence and became the world’s youngest defence minister.
Ruling Dubai
Sheikh Mohammed became Ruler of Dubai on January 4, 2006, and on January 5, 2006, was appointed as Vice President of the UAE.
On February 11, 2006, the late UAE President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan nominated Sheikh Mohammad as Prime Minister of the UAE.
Pastimes
As well as being a visionary leader, Sheikh Mohammed is a prominent poet, accomplished athlete, keen horseman and humanitarian.
Happy birthday, Sheikh Mohammed!
