Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum: The Co-founder of the UAE
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Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum was born in Dubai in 1912, the same year his father Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum became the Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Rashid received his education in Al Ahmadiya School, the oldest school in Dubai.
When Sheikh Rashid's father passed away in 1958, he took over the rule of the emirate. Sheikh Rashid was not new to the political scene at that time as he was actively helping his father, the late Sheikh Saeed, managing the emirate's affairs. His long years of experience was well reflected on his performance later as the Vice-President and the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates . |
| During his rule, Dubai grew tremendously from a small trading town into a major cosmopolitan city and a commercial hub. New schools, houses, roads, bridges connecting the two sides of the city, and ports connecting the emirate to the world were built during his time.
When the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan called for the formation of the federation, he was the first to join on December 2 nd 1971. He was keen to provide all the support to Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the union and his brothers, the rulers of the emirates. He was truly described as the co-founder of the United Arab Emirates.
In 1979, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum was asked to form a new government which he headed, as prime minster. His government came to put aggressive development plans that pushed further the modernization of the country and raised the standards of living for nationals and residents.
Sheikh Rashid worked hand in hand with his brother Sheikh Zayed and the rulers of the emirates to transform the United Arab Emirates into a modern, developed nation.
Sheikh Rashid passed away in October 1990 leaving a legacy of good deeds for his people and his country. |