Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Born	(1958-12-01) December 1, 1958 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, political figure
Years active	1985–present
Known for	Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and the Emirates Group; second vice chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai; chairman of Dubai Airports, Dubai Holding, Dubai World, Emirates NBD

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (; born 1 December 1958) is a prominent Emirati entrepreneur, political figure, and a member of the ruling Al Maktoum dynasty in Dubai. He holds the positions of chairman and CEO at Emirates Airline and the Emirates Group, serves as second vice chairman on the Executive Council of Dubai, and presides over the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA).

In addition, Ahmed leads Dubai Airports, Dubai Holding, Dubai World, and Emirates NBD as chairman. He also sits on the board of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) and fulfills the role of chancellor at The British University in Dubai.

Early life and education

Ahmed was born on 1 December 1958 as the youngest son of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum, former ruler of Dubai, and is the sole offspring from his father's second wife, Sheikha Fatima bint Ahmed bin Suliman.

He is a half-brother to the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, former ruler of Dubai, and uncle to the current ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Ahmed earned a degree in political science from the University of Denver.

Career

Al Maktoum’s journey in aviation commenced in 1985 when he was appointed president of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), responsible for managing Dubai International Airport and Dubai Duty Free. That same year marked the establishment of Emirates Airline, with Al Maktoum assuming the role of chairman.

His professional network extends to at least 14 board memberships across various sectors. He has been acknowledged as "the man who put Dubai on the global aviation map." Since 1985, he has continuously held the dual roles of chairman and CEO for Emirates Airline & Group.

In October 2019, acting as president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), he launched several specialized international food trade platforms at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

As chair of the Dubai Free Zone Council, he spearheaded discussions in 2019 focusing on initiatives such as long-term leasing options for investors and free zone passports.

Furthermore, he chairs the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.

Personal life

In 2007, Ahmed married Egyptian socialite Nivin El-Gamal through an Islamic ceremony held in London. Although Al Maktoum contested the marriage's validity, a London court acknowledged it, albeit not under English law. The couple had one son named Saeed bin Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. In 2008, he wed Sheikha Mona, his first cousin twice removed and daughter of Sheikh Obaid bin Thani Al Maktoum. Later, in 2019, he married Moza bint Hamdan Al Malik Al Shehi; they have a son named Mohammed, born in November 2020.

Honors and awards

• 2007: Living Legend of Aviation — recognized as Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year.
• 2011: Awarded Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for UAE.
• 2012: Honored with Emirates Airline Festival of Literature Personality of the Year.
• 2013: Received an honorary doctorate from City University London.
• 2013: Conferred Honorary Knight Commander of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
• Featured among Gulf Business’s Top 100 most influential Arabs consecutively from 2013 through 2021.