Operating under the motto "Open Doors. [79], The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation's $1 million Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award was inaugurated on 7 December 2014, the first award being made jointly to the computer scientist and inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee and entrepreneur and co-founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales "In recognition of their efforts and contributions in the field of spreading knowledge throughout the world". Dubai’s billionaire ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is taking his wife, Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, to London High Court after reports began to surface that the Princess left him and fled to London with her children in fear for her life. Unusually, the officials were publicly 'named and shamed'. Originally conceived as a development around an 80-story tower, the project team was sent away to return with "the greatest neighbourhood known to man". [35] The company's investment group operating units include Dubai Group and Dubai International Capital. The youngest wife of Dubai's ruler spent months meticulously plotting her escape to London after being told her husband lied to her about 'imprisoning and … She adopted an altogether more public-facing role than the sheikh’s senior wife, holding high-profile posts including president of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, serving on the International Olympic Committee and as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme. Haya became Sheikh Mohammed’s sixth wife when she married him in 2004. [100][101][9], In 2006, a UNICEF-sponsored program 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. Princess Haya, Dubai ruler's wife, seeks court order to prevent child's forced marriage Sheikh Mohammed -- the 70-year-old vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates -- … [89][90][91], An early 2000s British police investigation of allegations, made by a former riding instructor, about the attempted escape from her family estate in England, and subsequent kidnapping on a street in Cambridge of Sheikha Latifa's sister Sheikha Shamsa Al Maktoum in 2001, was inconclusive. His first marriage was to his first cousin Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai's ruling family by birth, whom he married in 1979. She is the daughter of King Hussein of Jordan and the half sister of King Abdullah II of Jordan. The Telegraph commented that a "PR campaign is already underway, with Sheikh Mohammed again cast as a victim of employee malpractice".[110]. With more than 50,000 employees in over 100 cities around the globe, the group has real estate, logistics and other business investments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. In September 2015, Mohammad's eldest son Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed, died of a heart disease . The wife of the ruler of Dubai has fled the country, with more success than his daughter did last year. [29] In 2018, Sheikh Mohammed announced five and ten-year visas for sought-after professionals, academicians and long-term investors. Sheikh Mohammed has overseen the development of numerous projects in Dubai including the creation of a technology park and a free economic zone, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, the Dubai International Finance Centre, the Palm Islands and the Burj Al Arab hotel. Princess Haya of Jordan, 45, a daughter of the late King Hussain and a former Olympic equestrian, married Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai, 70, in 2004, becoming the sixth and youngest of his wives. [2][3], He is responsible for the growth of Dubai into a global city,[4] as well as the launch of a number of major enterprises including Emirates Airline, DP World, and the Jumeirah Group. [18], In 1973, Sheikh Mohammed was involved in protracted negotiations with the hijackers of JAL 404, led by Japanese Red Army member Osamu Maruouka, which landed in Dubai after being hijacked as it departed Schiphol. Toward this goal, the school maintains ties, and collaborates with, regional and global institutions in its research and training programs, and organizes policy forums and international conferences to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote critical debate on public policy in the Arab world.[48]. Offering companies long leases, full ownership, and fast access to government services, DIC grew from its first tenants in October 2000, to a current zone employing some 15,000 people. [16], A period of uncertainty and instability followed the Union of the United Arab Emirates, including skirmishes between tribes over property straddling new borders. The third and largest Palm, the Palm Deira, has been scaled back and re-launched as the Deira Islands. She's the Queen of Jordan, the wife of King Abdullah II, and the mother of the heir to the throne, Hussein. July 7, 2019 0 Dubai ruler, Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum allegedly caught his 6th wife, Princess Haya in a suspicious state of cheating with his UK-Retired army Bodyguard,in their UK mansion. "[46], The Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives is a charitable foundation which consolidates the work of some 33 charitable foundations, entities and initiatives which together implement more than 1,400 development programs, contributing to the support of more than 130 million people in 116 countries in collaboration with over 280 strategic partners, including governmental institutions, private sector companies, as well as regional and international organizations.[47]. His endurance racing stable has also been involved in other scandals, including both fatal injuries, and ringers. [99], In December 2019, a UK family court ruled that—on the balance of probabilities—Sheikh Mohammed had orchestrated the abductions of Sheikha Latifa and Sheikha Shamsa and that he continued to maintain a regime whereby both were deprived of their liberty. He was also behind the establishment of government-owned low-cost carrier FlyDubai. In July 2007, judge Cecilia Altonaga accepted the motion and dismissed the suit. According to media reports, Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, the sixth wife of the Sheikh, has fled the UAE with a huge amount of cash and her children. Rania is an active Instagram user who fights for women's rights in the Middle East and favors replacing traditional clothing. Signalling a zero tolerance policy towards corruption in government, in 2001, Sheikh Mohammed ordered the arrest of Obaid Saqr bin-Busit, the head of Dubai Customs and the chairman of the World Customs Association. Built by Sanlorenzo in 2013. [7][8], On 5 March 2020, a British court ruled that on the balance of probabilities, he had abducted two of his daughters and had threatened his former wife, Princess Haya. [118][119] His family wealth is estimated to be approximately US$4 billion.[120]. The estranged wife of the ruler of Dubai - one of the most high-profile leaders in the Middle East - has asked for a forced marriage protection order in a UK court. In 2000, Sheikh Mohammed donated €4 million for the construction of the Essalaam Mosque in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Dubai ruler organised kidnapping of his children, UK court rules. Al Maktoum stated that he was “appalled and angered” by the case and announced that the stable would be locked down while drug tests were carried out on all horses who were under Al Zarooni's care. [37], In 1989, Sheikh Mohammed inaugurated the first Dubai Airshow: in 2013 the exhibition had grown to over 1,000 exhibiting companies, and was the venue for Emirates' placement of the largest aeroplane order in history, with $99 billion combined orders with Airbus for its A380 and Boeing for its 777X.[38]. P rincess Haya Bint al Hussein, the sixth wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the billionaire ruler of Dubai, is said to be seeking refuge … [26] The following day, the Federal National Council selected him as the new Vice President of the UAE. Reflecting widespread public reaction to the events, and part of a groundswell of donations from prominent Emirati citizens, he also dedicated his victory and prize money from winning a major endurance race in Bahrain on 10 January 2009 to the Palestinian people.[51]. The investigation team was granted "unprecedented powers of scrutiny" by Sheikh Mohammed. Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum is the second son from Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. [64], At the age of 63, Sheikh Mohammed won the 2012 World Endurance Championship over a 160 km course. On 3 January 1995, Sheikh Mohammed's elder brother Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum signed two decrees that appointed him Crown Prince of Dubai. (Article in Hebrew)", "The Official Website of the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates", "United Arab Emirates – The Corporate Immigration Review – Edition 8", "These workers can get 10-year visa in UAE", "10-year residence visa in UAE for investors, doctors, specialists and top students", "Sheikh Mohammed announces UAE permanent residency scheme", "Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid unveils gold card for permanent-visa residents", "Shaikh Mohammad launches permanent residency system in the UAE, benefits 6,800 investors in the first batch", "Emirates International Telecommunications LLC", "Emirates announces largest-ever aircraft order", "Press freedom boost as Dubai's Sheikh says journalists won't go to jail", "Nakheel to restart scaled back Palm Deira", "VP donates 600 houses to Palestinians in Gaza", "HUMANITARIAN AID THE FOCUS OF PUBLIC EFFORTS ON GAZA", "Rotterdam mosque: complete or demolish? On 11 February, the Council approved President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's nomination of Sheikh Mohammed for Prime Minister. [116], Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum owns the yacht Dubai, built by the German company Blohm + Voss and designed by English designer Andrew Winch who owns Winch Design. Due to his interest in sports creativity, an award was given in his name every year to the emerging, professional athletes and sports organisations named Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award. Dubai ruler's wife who shattered perception of a perfect couple ... 45, is the daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan and half-sister of the country’s current ruler, King Abdullah II. [25], After roughly a decade of de facto rule, he became the Ruler of Dubai on 4 January 2006 upon the death of Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and estranged wife Princess… [citation needed], As a young man, in January 1968, he was present when Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Zayed first met in the desert between Dubai and Abu Dhabi at Argoub El Sedira[15] to agree to the formation of a union of emirates following British notification of intent to withdraw from the Trucial States. Open Minds", SMCCU aims to improve cross-cultural understanding and communication between UAE locals and guests visiting or residing in the UAE. But what happened next? A further $75 million in facilities and materials was provided, but Emirates has always maintained it has received no further subsidies throughout the company's meteoric growth to become one of the world's leading airlines. The 45-year-old is the younger half-sister of King Abdullah II of Jordan. In 1995, his hands-on approach to racing resulted in a major split with leading trainer Henry Cecil after a disagreement over racing a horse Mohammed insisted was injured. The Al Maktoum family, the royal and ruling family of Dubai, is led by His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai.Although he and his royal family remain hugely popular and loved by the residents of both Dubai and the UAE, many people outside of the country know little about this royal family besides the fact that they are extremely rich. The results were a string of high-profile wins, and by 1994 he founded Godolphin. [10] His mother was Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, daughter of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, formerly the ruler of Abu Dhabi. [107], In April 2013, Al Maktoum's Godolphin stables trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni was disqualified for eight years from thoroughbred horse racing by the British Horseracing Authority for administering steroids to eleven racehorses. ", "Dubai's ruler battles wife in UK court after she fled emirate", "Dubai's Princess Haya 'flees country after leaving Crown Prince husband', reports say", "Reports: Dubai princess left Crown Prince husband, fled UAE", https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/07/10/the-fairy-tale-is-over-for-dubais-royal-family/, https://www.france24.com/en/20190705-dubai-ruler-sheikh-mohammed-maktoum-scandal-princess-haya-refuge-london-court, "Dubai ruler's wife seeks protection order", "UK court sets November hearing for case of Dubai ruler and princess", "Dubai ruler organised kidnapping of his children, UK court rules", "Initiatives to Combat Human Trafficking", "UAE supports UNICEF in safe return of camel jockeys to home countries", "Dubai princes accused of masterminding trade in jockey slaves", "A Dubai Leader Faces Charges of Enslavement", "Trainer Al Zarooni gets eight-year ban for doping horses", "Sheikh Mohammed to criminalise use of anabolic steroids in UAE", "Sheikh Mohammed's equine operations must not be above the law after recent drug scandals", Princess Haya: Dubai ruler's wife in UK 'in fear of her life', Princess Haya, Wife of Dubai’s Ruler, Seeks Refuge in London, Shaikh Mohammad and Princess Haya blessed with a baby girl, Sheikh Mohammed announces arrival of new son Zayed on Twitter, "Luxury on the Sea: Most Expensive Yachts on Earth", "The Sanlorenzo 40 Alloy in Dubai – SuperYacht Times", "Sanlorenzo's Alloya superyacht in Dubai – SuperYacht Times", "10000376 – Rashid Bin Mohd AL MAKTOUM (UAE)", "Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Just Got Married", "UAE celebrates Hamdan, Maktoum, Ahmad weddings", "10045216 – Sheikha Latifa Mohd Bin Rashid AL MAKTOUM (UAE)", "10045072 – Sheikha Shaikha Mohd Bin Rashid AL MAKTOUM (UAE)", "10045073 – Sheikha Futaim Mohd Bin Rashid AL MAKTOUM (UAE)", "Randa al-Banna interview: 'Our baby is now in her forties. The company operates more than 77 terminals across six continents, with container handling generating some 80% of its revenue. In 1955, he began his formal education at Al Ahmedia School. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's eldest son Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, with his senior wife Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, died 18 September 2015, reportedly of a heart attack at the age of 33.[136]. In late 1981, he purchased Gainsborough Stud at Woolton Hill, near Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom. An insider has claimed that Dubai's ruler found his estranged wife Princess Haya with her British bodyguard during a surprise visit to their London home, and suspected the two had "inappropriate contact" with one another. Her statement was criticised by human rights groups, who said that Robinson would not have been able to tell in the meeting whether Latifa truly had psychological issues. Many of these are held by Dubai Holding, a company with multi-diversified businesses and investments. In 1996, the Dubai World Cup was inaugurated as the world's richest horserace, drawing the legendary American dirt track horse Cigar to race in Dubai. A number of other media and technology-related free zones have since been established by holding company TECOM in Dubai, including: the International Media Production Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai Industrial City and Dubai Knowledge Village. The first of the islands, the Palm Jumeirah, has been completed and developed, while the second, the Palm Jebel Ali, has completed land reclamation but not been further developed. Sheikh Mohammed has made a number of charitable donations to Palestinian causes in its struggle against Israel. ", Mohammed bin Rashid issues law on establishing International Institute for Tolerance, "MASSIVE MEDAL HAUL FOR UAE AT LONGINES FEI WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS", "FEI faces backlash after Maktoum 'ringer' inquiry ends with no disciplinary action", "FEI Suspend United Arab Emirates from Equestrianism Following Spate of Scandals", "Latifa does UAE proud as she qualifies for Beijing Olympics, UAE interact", "Shaikha Maitha bound for Beijing Olympics", "UAE showers riches on victorius Gulf Cup victors", "Melbourne Cup: 2018 field, form guide and sweep", "Melbourne Cup 2018: Cross Counter takes out the Melbourne Cup", "Dubai metro stations to be transformed into art museums", "Mohammed attends opening of first Knowledge Conference", Web inventor, Wiki co-founder share $1m Knowledge Award, "A Princess Vanishes. [17] Following a spirited firefight between the Union Defence Force and Saqr's forces - mostly Egyptian mercenaries who had entered the UAE through Ras Al Khaimah[15] – Sheikh Mohammed accepted Saqr's surrender. His horses have also won the Irish Derby Stakes, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and, the 2006 Preakness Stakes with Bernardini in the US. Godolphin's Cross Counter, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy and trained by Charlie Appleby won the 2018 Melbourne Cup.[72][73]. She also regularly appeared at international social events with the sheikh, leading to them being described as a perfect couple. Developed by Nakheel Properties, part of Dubai World, the development of the three planned Palm Islands was halted by the global financial crisis of 2009. The half-sister of the current Jordanian king, Princess Haya has long been the most publicly visible and widely known of the six wives of Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin … According to family sources, the king was "shocked" to see his wife with the bodyguard and immediately demanded her to return with him to Dubai. The yacht is 162m long and is the world's third largest yacht (2014) and can host up to 115 people including crew. The sixth wife of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum is a friend of the British Royal Family and has this unusual link to Prince Charles. Both his thoroughbreds and endurance horses have failed drug tests – although his trainers (including Mahmood Al Zarooni) have accepted the blame. Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, the senior wife of Mohammed. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has publicly acknowleged two wives, but he may have as many as six wives. A Video Offers Alarming Clues", "Princess Sheikha Latifa tried to flee Dubai. The Oxford-educated princess married the Dubai ruler in 2004. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum is his senior wife, while Princess Haya bint Al-Hussein is his junior wife. Also Read: See pics: UAE says Dubai Princess Latifa - rumoured to be dead - is alive and well. The high-profile arrests caused widespread shock and were followed by a slew of arrests of public officials later that month; in all, fourteen officials, including six senior officers, were arrested and charged with offences related to corruption. Dubai Millennium, said to be Sheikh Mohammed's favourite, won nine of his ten starts before succumbing to injury followed by grass sickness in 2001.[63]. A new ruling by the UK high court blows the lid off the long-suppressed secrets of Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, and his divorce from his sixth and youngest wife… This was followed by the announcement in February 2010 of Vision 2021, a long term strategy and national agenda. Sheikh Mohammed's wife has fled her home—and that may just be the beginning of his troubles. [66], In 2015, the FEI suspended the United Arab Emirates following a series of scandals. [42], On 29 October 1999, Sheikh Mohammed announced Dubai Internet City, a technology hub and free trade zone. Princess Haya bint Hussein, one of the six wives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has allegedly run away with her 7-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter, according to the Daily Beast. [32] Subject to additional criteria, investors and professionals in healthcare, engineering, science and art would be eligible for permanent residence visa. On 24 January 1972, the exiled former ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi led an insurrectionist coup against the ruler, Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. [109], In October 2013, scandal returned to Sheikh Mohammed in the venue of horseracing, with reports of potentially toxic and dangerous steroids, anaesthetics, and anti-inflammatory drugs being shipped into UAE, mislabeled as "horse tack". [78], Sheikh Mohammed established the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards in March 2009 to honour individuals and organisations who have contributed towards arts development in Dubai. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Year in Review 2016, First Edition. [88] A spokeswoman for ″The Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice″ confirmed that Robinson was approached by Princess Haya, one of Sheikh Al Maktoum's wives, an old friend of Robinson's, and was requested to go to Dubai by Princess Haya and that Haya paid the fare, less than two weeks after the BBC ran a documentary detailing the princess' failed escape attempt in March. The wife of Dubai's billionaire ruler has fled to London with £31million following the break-up of their marriage, according to reports. [27], In April 2007, Sheikh Mohammed announced a strategic review of the Federation's governance at both the Federal and local government levels. [65] The Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (previously the Dubai School of Government) is an academic and research institution in the area of public policy and administration focused on the United Arab Emirates and the Arab world. His racing operations include the ownership of Darley Stables and he is the leading partner in his family's Godolphin Stables. (9) of 2017 on the Establishment of the International Institute for Tolerance and Decree No. [5], A keen equestrian, he is the founder of the Maktoum family-owned Godolphin stable and the owner of Darley, a thoroughbred breeding operation with operations in six countries. [9], Sheikh Mohammed is the third son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's four sons, members of Dubai's ruling Al Maktoum family and descendants of the House of Al-Falasi, of which Sheikh Mohammed is the tribal leader. Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum is the deputy ruler of Dubai,[137] and the Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated. [111] His first marriage was to his first cousin Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai's ruling family by birth, whom he married in 1979. [92], On 29 June 2019, The Sun reported that the wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, had fled Dubai and was in Germany seeking political asylum along with her children, a son and a daughter. She reportedly took 31 million pounds (US $39.3 million) and their two children and is seeking a divorce. Jumeirah's international expansion, driven after it became part of Dubai Holding in 2004,[41] encompasses 22 hotels in ten countries. Today, held at the Meydan Racecourse, the race meeting carries a prize of $27 million. [22] More recently, the downturn exposed issues related to corruption at government-owned Dubai real estate company Deyaar. [102] 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". [11], From the age of four, Al Maktoum was privately tutored in Arabic and Islamic Studies. He received encouragement from the poet Fatat Al Arab, when she composed a reply to one of his earliest poems. [104][105][106] In 2006, American lawyers representing the UAE raised a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on the grounds that none of the involved parties resided in the U.S., arguing that the UN program best served the interests of the children. [24], Mohammed has been recorded to make surprise visits to ministerial departments and publicly humiliate offices in which staff had not been available. The UAE government set aside US$2.7 million in initial funding in 2005 with an additional US$9 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. Sheikh Mohammed hosts the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse. [115] The first woman to represent her native Jordan in international equestrian sport and a participant in the 2000 Summer Olympics in show jumping, she served two terms as President of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. He has published poetry in his native Arabic. The sheikh has denounced her, in a furious verse posted to Instagram. In 1985 he bought the Irish thoroughbred Park Appeal for an undisclosed sum at the end of her second season. He also holds a controlling interest in property developer, asset and event management, and investment company Meraas Holding which is currently developing a number of retail, lifestyle and themed developments in Dubai, including Legoland and a Bollywood movie theme park.[36].