Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name in Arabic | الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم |
| Born | 1949, Al Shindagha, Dubai |
| Ruler of Dubai | Since 4 January 2006 |
| Federal posts | Vice-President since 5 January 2006; Prime Minister since 11 February 2006 |
Source: UAE Government Portal: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum1
Early years
Sheikh Mohammed grew up in the Al Maktoum family home at Al Shindagha and learned hunting, falconry and horsemanship as a boy. He began school at Al Ahmadiya School in Deira in 1955. In 1966 he studied at the Bell School of Languages in Cambridge and then at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot.1
Public life
On 1 November 1968 he became Head of Dubai Police and Public Security, his first public post, and in December 1971 Minister of Defence. He was Crown Prince of Dubai from January 1995 until he became Ruler in January 2006.1
With Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, he directed the launch of the UAE Astronaut Programme in April 2017.2
Sources
- UAE Government Portal: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre: Missions and projects
Facts checked 22 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information.