UAE leadership · 1949–
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Life & Career Timeline
Ruler of Dubai, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister.
18 MomentsGet your own timeline now — free
19491960197119821993200420152026
SMSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al MaktoumUAE leadership
← Drag, scroll or swipe through the timeline →
About this timeline
About Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Public service, aviation, free zones, digital government and landmark projects through Dubai’s transformation into a global city.
Page updated
Choose any Moment on the timeline to read its story, see why it matters and continue to the original source. Connected Moments open the other person’s timeline.
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum biography
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Shindagha
Sheikh Mohammed was born as the third son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Source: u.aeFormal education begins
He attended Al Ahmadiya School before continuing through Dubai’s developing school system.
Source: u.aeStudies in Britain
Language study and military training prepared him for government responsibilities.
Source: u.aeHead of Dubai Police and Public Security
On returning home, he received his first public appointment.
Source: u.aeWitnesses early federation talks
He accompanied his father to talks with Sheikh Zayed about a future union.
Connected: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Source: u.aeUAE Minister of Defence
At federation, he became the young country’s first Minister of Defence.
Source: u.aeResponsibility for Dubai aviation
Leadership of the airport committee helped establish an open-skies aviation strategy.
Source: u.aeEmirates airline and Jebel Ali
A new airline launched while Jebel Ali’s free-zone model accelerated trade and investment.
Source: u.aeCrown Prince of Dubai
Sheikh Maktoum appointed his brother Crown Prince.
Connected: Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Source: u.aeDubai World Cup
The international horse race reflected his lifelong equestrian interests and Dubai’s global ambitions.
Source: u.aeBurj Al Arab and Internet City vision
Iconic tourism and technology projects signalled a diversified knowledge economy.
Source: u.aePalm Islands announced
The offshore development became one of Dubai’s most recognisable projects.
Source: u.aeBecomes Ruler of Dubai
He succeeded Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Connected: Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Source: u.aePrime Minister of the UAE
He became Prime Minister after being elected Vice President the previous month.
Source: u.aeBurj Khalifa opens
The world’s tallest building opened at the centre of Downtown Dubai.
Connected: Mohamed Alabbar
Source: u.aeArab Hope Makers and innovation agenda
National and regional initiatives emphasised innovation, government performance and humanitarian impact.
Source: u.aeUAE Golden Jubilee and Expo 2020 Dubai
The delayed world exposition welcomed countries and visitors during the UAE’s 50th year.
Source: u.aeOne Billion Meals initiative completed
Sheikh Mohammed announced that the humanitarian initiative launched in 2022 had completed its goal of providing one billion meals to people in need.
Why it matters: The milestone demonstrated the international scale of the philanthropic programmes developed under his leadership.
Source: www.mediaoffice.aeExplore related timelines
Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum timelineFormer Ruler of Dubai and twice Prime Minister of the UAE.Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan timelineThe founding father and first President of the UAE.Mohamed Alabbar timelineEmaar, landmark development and a new digital economy.Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum timelineCrown Prince of Dubai and a public face of its next generation.Reem Al Hashimy timelineDiplomacy, international cooperation and the leadership behind Expo 2020 Dubai.Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan timelinePresident of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: International Monetary Fund / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain (IMF)
Schools, fan clubs & cultural organisations
Help maintain this public story.
Bring knowledge, archives and a community together around a carefully sourced timeline.
Quick answers
About the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum timeline
Who is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Public service, aviation, free zones, digital government and landmark projects through Dubai’s transformation into a global city.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1949–.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
Your life deserves its own story.
Bring your photographs, videos and most important Moments together in one beautiful timeline.
Start your own life story now — free