Marking 75 Years: The life and achievements of Sheikh Mohammed

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum turned 75 on Monday, 15 July 2024, with citizens and residents in the UAE celebrating his successes.

Sheikh Mohammed, who is the Ruler of Dubai as well as the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has built up a reputation for being one of the world’s most prominent and driven leaders.

Under his watch, Dubai has flourished and evolved into a major and modern hub for global trade. Last year, Dubai ranked third among the world’s ten most prominent global cities, according to an index from the highly respected Economist magazine.

Last year, he also spearheaded initiatives such as Dubai Economic Agenda “D33”, which has the goal of doubling the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade. Earlier this year, Sheikh Mohammed was also at the forefront of announcing a plan to transform Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport into the world’s biggest by 2034.

READ MORE: Sheikh Mohammed: Al Maktoum Airport will replace Dubai International in future

At a national level, Sheikh Mohammed, as Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, continues to have a huge impact. Just a day before his birthday, he announced a major cabinet reshuffle.

READ MORE: UAE cabinet reshuffle: here’s what you need to know

His achievements have been numerous and varied. But the team at Gulf Business has put together a brief timeline that encapsulates just some of the key milestones of this important leader’s life.

Timeline of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Early Life

• July 15, 1949: Born in Al Shindagha, Dubai, near to the famous Creek.

Education and Early Career

• 1955-1965: Attended Al Ahmadiya School, then Al Shaab School, and Dubai Secondary School.
• 1966: Attended the Bell Educational Trust’s English Language School in the UK.
• 1967: Joined Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England; graduated as the top Commonwealth student.

Joining government

• 1968: Appointed head of Dubai Police and Public Security.
• 1971: Played a crucial role in the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.
• 1971: Appointed Minister of Defence for the UAE.

Leadership in Dubai

• 1985: Launched Emirates Airline.
• 1995: Became Crown Prince of Dubai.
• 2001: Launched Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City.
• 2006: Became Ruler of Dubai after the death of his brother, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
• 2006: Became Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.

Key Initiatives and Achievements

• 2007: Announced the launch of the Dubai Strategic Plan.
• 2010: Oversaw the opening of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
• 2013: Launched the UAE National Innovation Strategy and Smart Dubai initiative.
• 2014: Announced the UAE Vision 2021.
• 2016: Inaugurated the Dubai Water Canal.
• 2020: Led Dubai’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheaded the Dubai Expo 2020 preparations.

Recent Developments

• 2021: Dubai Expo 2020 opened after being postponed due to the pandemic.
• 2023: Continued to promote Dubai as a global hub for innovation and business