Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
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{{Infobox_Prime Minister
| name = Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum<br>محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم
| image = Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.jpg
| order = [[Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates]]
| president = [[Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan]]
| deputy =
| term_start = [[11 February]] [[2006]]
| term_end =
| predecessor = [[Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum]]
| successor =
| religion = [[Sunni Islam]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1949|07|22|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Dubai]], [[United Arab Emirates]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| nationality = [[Emirati people|Emirati]]
| spouse = [[Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum]]<br>[[Haya bint Hussein|Haya bint Al-Hussein]]
| party =
}}
'''Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum''' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]] (محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم) (honorifically referred to as '''Sheikh Mohammed''') (born [[July 22]], [[1949]]), is the [[List of Prime Ministers of the United Arab Emirates|Prime Minister]] and Vice President of the [[United Arab Emirates]], and the ruler of [[Dubai]].
==Personal life and education==
He is the third of [[Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum]]'s four sons (members of Dubai's ruling family [[Al Maktoum]] and descendants of the [[House of Al-Falasi]], of which he is the tribal leader<ref>[http://sheikhmohammed.co.ae/english/dubai/dubai_almaktoum.asp Home<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>). From the age of four, Sheikh Mohammed was privately tutored in [[Arabic]] and [[Islamic Studies]]. In [[1955]], he began his formal education at [[Al Ahmedia School]]. At the age of 10, he moved to [[Al Shaab School]], and two years later, he went to [[Dubai Secondary School]]. In August [[1966]], he and his cousin, Sheikh [[Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Maktoum]], attended the [[Bell Educational Trust]]'s English Language School in the [[United Kingdom]].
His senior wife is [[Sheikha]] [[Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum]], his first cousin, whom he married in 1979. His junior wife is HRH [[Princess Haya bint Al Hussein]], daughter of King [[Hussein of Jordan]] and half-sister of current King [[Abdullah II of Jordan]], whom he married on [[April 10]], [[2004]], and has one child, a daughter, AlJalila, born [[December 2]], [[2007]].<ref>[http://www.princesshaya.net/khaleej_mag.shtm Khaleej Times Interview on the princess's official website]</ref><ref>[http://www.nettyroyal.nl/newsapr04.html The Royal News, 2004-04-10]</ref><ref>[http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/General/10171970.html Shaikh Mohammad and Princess Haya blessed with a baby girl] ''[[Gulf News]]'' ([[2 December]] [[2007]]). Retrieved [[2 December]] [[2007]].</ref> Sheikh Mohammed has 17 children: eight sons and ten daughters{{dubious}}.
Al Maktoum, his sons, and his daughters are known to be avid in the art of traditional Arabic poems, arts, taking part in projects to aid developing countries such as [[Jordan]], [[Egypt]], [[Palestine]] and [[Yemen]]. They are also sport enthusiasts, especially in [[horse racing|horse]] and [[camel racing]]. For example, in the [[Equestrian at the 2006 Asian Games|15th Asian Games in 2006]], son Rashid took the individual gold in [[Endurance riding|Endurance]], sons Rashid, Ahmed, Majid, and Hamdan took the team gold in Endurance;<ref>[http://www.uaeequafed.ae/newsdetail41.htm UAE EQUESTRIAN RACING FEDERATION]</ref> daughter Latifa took a bronze in [[Show Jumping]];<ref>[http://www.uaeinteract.com/russian/news/default.asp?ID=196 Latifa does UAE proud as she qualifies for Beijing Olympics, UAE interact]</ref> and daughter [[Maitha bint Mohammed al-Maktoum|Maitha]] led the UAE team in Karate.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Shaikha Maitha bound for Beijing Olympics
|url=http://archive.gulfnews.com/indepth/olympics08/sports/10199968.html|publisher=''[[Gulf News]]'' |date=2008-03-24|accessdate=2008-06-15}}</ref>
===Charity===
Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum has been known for his vast [[Charity (practice)|charitable]] [[donation]]s. On [[May 19]], [[2007]], he announced plans to give [[United States dollar|$]]10bn USD to set up an educational foundation in the [[Middle East]]; one of the largest charitable donations in history.<ref>{{cite news | date = [[2007-05-19]] | title = Dubai ruler in vast charity gift| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6672923.stm | publisher = [[BBC News]] | accessdate = 2007-05-19}}</ref> Sheikh Mohammed stated that the money is meant to bridge the knowledge gap between the Arab region and the developed world, improving the standard of education and research in the region, developing leadership programs for youth, and stimulating job creation. The announcement was made at the 2007 [[World Economic Forum]] in [[Jordan]].
In September 2007, he launched a campaign, [[Dubai Cares]] to raise money to educate 1 million children in poor countries. The campaign is Dubai's contribution to the U.N. Millennium Development Goals for providing Children's Primary Education to every child by 2015.
The amount donated to this campaign has exceeded AED 240 million(Approximately US$ 65,573,770)six days after its launch.
===Thoroughbred horse racing===
{{Dubai Royal Family}}
Sheikh Mohammed is a major figure internationally in [[Thoroughbred]] [[horse racing]] and [[horse breeding|breeding]]. In late 1981, he purchased [[Gainsborough Stud]] at [[Woolton Hill]], near [[Newbury, Berkshire|Newbury]], [[Berkshire]], [[United Kingdom|England]]. In [[Ireland]], he also owns [[Ballysheehan Stud]], in [[County Tipperary]] plus he has [[Gainsborough Farms Inc.]] in [[Versailles, Kentucky]]. His racing operations includes the ownership of [[Darley Stables]] and he is the leading partner in his family's [[Godolphin Stables]]. Sheikh Mohammed hosts the [[Dubai World Cup]], the world's richest series of horse races.
In England, his horses have won numerous important [[Group One]] races including several of the [[British Classic Races]]. His horses have also won the [[Irish Derby Stakes]] and the [[Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe]] and in the [[United States]] the [[2006]] [[Preakness Stakes]] with [[Bernardini]].
He recently bought the Woodlands Stud empire, the largest in Australia, for $US 420 million.{{Fact |date=April 2008}}
==Political and business career==
On [[January 3]], [[1995]], Sheikh [[Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum]] signed two decrees that appointed Sheikh Mohammed as [[Crown Prince]] of Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed oversaw the development of numerous projects in Dubai including the creation of the [[Palm Islands]] and the luxury [[Burj Al Arab]] hotel. He is also promoting the construction of [[Burj Dubai]], which is now the tallest free-standing structure in the world, and will become the official world's tallest building upon its completion in 2009. During his tenure as Crown Prince he set up [[Dubai Holding]], a holding company with multi-diversified businesses and investments. He currently owns 99.67% of the company.<ref>[http://www.zawya.com/cm/profile.cfm?companyid=1002706/ "Dubai Holding Profile"], [[Zawya]].</ref>
After roughly a decade of de facto rulership,<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4582236.stm BBC report, 2006-01-05]</ref> he became the Ruler of Dubai on [[January 4]], [[2006]] upon the death of his elder brother Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He was also nominated by the [[List of rulers of separate Emirates of the United Arab Emirates|President of the UAE]], Sheikh [[Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan]], to be the next Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE on [[January 5]], [[2006]]. The members of the [[Federal National Council|UAE Federal National Council]] accepted the President's nomination shortly after.
On [[July 4]], [[2006]] Sheikh Mohammed pardoned and released U.S. [[rhythm and blues|R&B]] [[Record producer|producer]] [[Dallas Austin]] for a [[conviction (law)|conviction]] of [[drug possession]]. [[United States Senate|Senator]] [[Orrin Hatch]] and [[musician]]s [[Lionel Richie]] and [[Quincy Jones]] aided in the release.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/08/austin.arrest.ap/index.html CNN report, 2006-07-08]</ref>
===Liverpool F.C. takeover bid===
On [[4 December]] [[2006]], through his [[Dubai International Capital]] (DIC) Investment Group, Sheikh Mohammed engaged in takeover negotiations for [[Liverpool Football Club]] in a deal rumored to be worth £479m. The deal was also rumored to include a new 60,000 seater stadium, close to [[Anfield]] in nearby [[Stanley Park, Liverpool|Stanley Park]]. As of [[31 January]] [[2007]], D.I.C. withdrew their bid when [[Liverpool]] requested more time to consider a second bid from American [[George N. Gillett Jr.]], owner of the [[Montreal Canadiens]], an [[NHL]] franchise, and [[Tom Hicks]], owner of two teams, the NHL's [[Dallas Stars]] and the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]], a [[MLB]] franchise.
In 2007, his wealth was estimated at $16 billion USD.<ref name="Forbes">[http://www.forbes.com/2007/08/30/worlds-richest-royals-biz-royals07-cx_lk_0830royalintro_slide_5.html "Forbes Royal's Rich List"], Forbes.com.</ref> This made him the world's fourth richest royal.<ref name="Forbes"/>
== Yacht and Motor Cars ==
Currently he owns the worlds largest Super yacht Dubai(163m) which was previosly commissioned by Prince [[Jefri Bolkiah]] of Brunei.
His garage contains at least 100 supercars, which include the following:
*Stretched volvo sedan
*Maybach 62
*Ferrari F430
*Hummer H1/H2
*Rolls-Royces
*Lamborghinis
*Line of finest Mercedes.
==Controversies==
On [[9 March]] [[2007]], the London-based [[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro]] newspaper wrongly published a picture of Sheikh Mohammed, attributing it to the terror suspect [[Khalid Shaikh Mohammed]]. The Metro has since apologized for the error.<ref>[http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=40482&in_page_id=34 Sheikh Mohammed apology], Metro News, Friday, 9 March 2007</ref>
Sheikh Mohammed has been accused of encouraging the abducting and enslavement of thousands of boys, for use as jockeys in [[camel racing|camel races]]. A class-action suit has been filed in the United States, regarding this matter.
<ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/dubai-princes-accused-of-masterminding-trade-in-jockey-slaves-416101.html</ref>
<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5346430.stm</ref>
<ref>http://www.nysun.com/foreign/dubai-leader-faces-charges-of-enslavement/62611/</ref>
<ref>http://www.hwwilson.com/currentbio/cover_bios/cover_bio_4_08.htm</ref>
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{Wikiquote}} {{commons}}
*[http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/english/index.asp His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's official site]
*[http://yachts.monacoeye.com/yachtsbysize/pages/dubai02.html ''Dubai''] Photos of ''Dubai'' - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's yacht—the largest in the world
*[http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=406101&cc=5901 Dubai International Capital withdraws from Liverpool FC takeover bid]
*[http://www.itep.ae/english/home.aspx His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's IT Education Project (ITEP)]
*[http://www.mbrfoundation.ae/HTMLVersion/default_en_gb.aspx The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation]
*[http://www.dubaicares.ae Dubai Cares Official Site]
==Further reading==
* ''[[My Vision - Challenges in the Race for Excellence]]'' by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (2006); in Arabic; explains the vision of Sheikh Mohammed for Dubai
* ''Dubai The Maktoum Story'' by John M. Smith; in German; a book which criticizes the governance of Sheikh Mohammed
{{start box}}
{{s-hou|[[Al Maktoum|House of Al Maktoum]]||1949||}}
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{{Incumbent succession box
| title = [[List of rulers of separate Emirates of the United Arab Emirates|Ruler of Dubai]]
| before = [[Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum]]
| start = 2006
}}
{{s-off}}
{{Incumbent succession box
| title = [[List of Prime Ministers of the United Arab Emirates|Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates]]
| before = [[Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum]]
| start = 2006
}}
{{end box}}
{{UAEPMs}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Maktoum, Mohammed bin Rashid al-}}
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:Current national leaders]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Maktoum family]]
[[Category:Eclipse Award winners]]
[[Category:Reigning monarchs]]
[[Category:Prime Ministers of the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:United Arab Emirati racehorse owners and breeders]]
[[Category:United Arab Emirati politicians]]
[[Category:United Arab Emirati billionaires]]
[[Category:United Arab Emirati Sunni Muslims]]
[[ar:محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم]]
[[ca:Muhammad ben Rashid Al-Maktum]]
[[de:Muhammad ibn Raschid Al Maktum]]
[[et:Muḩammad bin Rāshid Āl Maktūm]]
[[el:Μοχάμεντ μπιν Ρασίντ αλ Μακτούμ]]
[[es:Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum]]
[[fr:Mohammad ben Rached Al-Maktoum]]
[[it:Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktum]]
[[ml:മുഹമ്മദ് ബിന് റാഷിദ് അല് മഖ്തും]]
[[nl:Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum]]
[[ja:ムハンマド・ビン=ラーシド・アール=マクトゥーム]]
[[pl:Muhammad ibn Raszid al-Maktum]]
[[fi:Muhammad ibn Rašid Al Maktum]]
[[sv:Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum]]
[[zh:穆罕默德·本·拉希德·阿勒马克图姆]]