Dubai - Sheikh Mohammed penned a touching note to his father on his 29th death anniversary.
Published: Mon 7 Oct 2019, 5:41 PM
Updated: Tue 8 Oct 2019, 8:21 AM
On the occasion of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's 29th death anniversary, his son, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, wrote an emotional message to his father.
"On October 7, 1990, Dubai lost its father, its engineer. Many hearts were broken. Many people didn't believe they had lost their father. Losing your father is the hardest thing. It makes you an orphan. He is the reason you exist, the reason of your life, the reason of your success, the reason your country exists," Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.
Who was Sheikh Rashid? Here are 10 important things that you should know about the man who Sheikh Mohammed called the 'Father of Dubai'.
(1) He grew up in Al Shindagha and was raised by his father Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who was known for his piety, wisdom, patience and prudence. His mother was Sheikha Hessa bint Al Mur bin Hureiz Al Falasi. She enjoyed a special place in the hearts of Dubai people, as she was known to be resolute, strong-willed and ambitious.
(2) From a young age, he was mature and his thinking was ahead of his time.
(3) Falconry, horseback and camel riding and shooting are some of his most cherished hobbies.
(4) He was appointed Crown Prince in 1939 and helped his father run the state.
(5) He was able to save Dubai from several economic crises, notably the decline of pearl trade and the maritime blockade, which Britain imposed on the Arab Gulf ports after World War II.
(6) Together with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, he spearheaded the efforts which led to the formation of the UAE in 1971.
(7) He became Ruler of Dubai in 1958 and began transforming the city - opening Dubai International Airport in 1960; Port Rashid in 1972; Dubai World Trade Centre in 1978; and Jebel Ali Port in 1979.
(8) He had a keen interest in establishing government departments such as the municipality and the land, police customs, electricity, water and other departments as well as the courts of law.
(9) Dubai Creek was built during his rule - Sheikh Rashid had it broadened and deepened, as its shallow water posed a threat to navigation and made it hard for large vessels to enter.
(10) He was Ruler of Dubai for 32 years - from 1958 until his death in 1990.
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