His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai turns 70 yesterday and here we take a look back at the incredible journey of the visionary leader who turned Dubai into a global city.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was born on 15 July, 1949 at the Al Maktoum house in Al Shindagha.
He is the third of four sons to His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s formal studies began at the age of six at a local primary school. Before that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was privately tutored Arabic and Islamic lessons at home.
At the age of 17, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed attended the Bell School of Languages in Cambridge, UK in 1966. Later, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed attended Mons Officer Cadet School-Aldershot, where he was recognised as top foreign and commonwealth student.
Two years later in 1968, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed returned to Dubai, and at the age of 19, accepted the responsibility to head Dubai Police and Public Security.
In only three years, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was promoted to become the youngest Minister of Defence.
In 1995, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was appointed as Crown Prince of Dubai.
Eleven years later on January 4, 2006, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was appointed as Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE on 5 January, 2006.
On February 11, 2006, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed became Prime Minister of the UAE.
As well as being a visionary leader, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed is a prolific poet, and humanitarian.
We Wish His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum a very happy birthday!