An unwavering tradition of excellence
Al Maktoum / Family
The Al Maktoum family is the ruling family of Dubai, and one of six ruling families of the United Arab Emirates. It has a long and illustrious history of serving the region since it began its reign as rulers of Dubai in 1833. Dubai is now one of the most vibrant cities in the world, attracting tourists and business executives from many countries .
An empire born from the sands
Dubai was in a stand-off with Abu Dhabi when Sheikh Rashid became Ruler in 1946, following an armed border dispute. He forged a close relationship with Qatar, further strengthened in 1961 when his daughter married the Emir of Qatar. In 1966, after India's rupee devaluation, Dubai and Qatar adopted the Gulf rupee, while Abu Dhabi opted for the Bahraini dinar. With financing from the Emir of Kuwait and public ‘creek bonds,’ Sheikh Rashid dredged Dubai Creek, enabling land reclamation and trade expansion. This solidified Dubai’s position as an entrepôt, later enhanced by the construction of Port Rashid in 1969. In 1971, Dubai joined Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates to form the United Arab Emirates, and by 1973, the UAE adopted a unified currency, the dirham. The Jebel Ali Port was established in 1979, followed by the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) in 1985, which evolved into a major commercial hub by the late 1990s.
The architect of Dubai
Sheikh Rashid was responsible for the transformation of Dubai from a small cluster of settlements near the Dubai Creek to a modern port city and commercial hub. His famous line, “My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my son drives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel”, reflected his concern that Dubai’s oil, which was discovered in 1966 and which began production in 1969, would run out within a few generations. He therefore worked to develop the economy of Dubai so that it could survive after the end of oil production, and was a driving force behind a number of major infrastructure projects to promote Dubai as a regional hub for trade.