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 .
Development 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:
- Port Rashid (opened in 1972)
- Al Shindagha Tunnel (opened in 1975)
- Jebel Ali Port (opened in 1979)
- Dubai World Trade Centre (built in 1978)
- The second major dredging and widening of the Dubai Creek (early 1970s)
- Dubai Drydocks (opened in 1983)
