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Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

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Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Born (1949-07-15) July 15, 1949 (age 77)
Dubai, Trucial States
Occupation(s)Royal, political leader, businessman
Years active1968–present
Known forRuler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, founder of Emirates Airline, Dubai World, Dubai Holding

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (; born 15 July 1949) is an Emirati royal and political leader who currently serves as the ruler of Dubai, as well as the vice president and prime minister of the UAE. He assumed these positions in 2006 following the passing of his brother, Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

As a billionaire, Mohammed's fortune is largely derived from his extensive real estate ventures, earning him recognition as "one of the foremost real estate developers worldwide." The distinction between properties owned by the Government of Dubai and those held personally by the ruling Al Maktoum family is often ambiguous, with many land assets managed as governmental holdings. Under his guidance, Dubai has evolved into a major international hub, with the establishment of significant government-affiliated enterprises such as Emirates Airline, DP World, and the Jumeirah Group, many operating under the umbrella of Dubai Holding. His tenure has overseen iconic projects including the Palm Islands, the luxury Burj Al Arab hotel, and since 2010, the world's tallest structure, the Burj Khalifa.

Holding absolute authority over Dubai and serving as UAE prime minister, Mohammed occupies roles appointed by the president within a centralized governance framework.

In March 2020, a UK court found that Mohammed had forcibly taken two of his daughters, Shamsa and Latifa, and had issued threats against his former spouse, Princess Haya bint Hussein. Reports suggest both daughters were administered medication against their will during their confinement under his directive. In 2021, Latifa’s covert video appeals recorded during her detention were broadcast by the BBC's Panorama program.

Mohammed is also deeply involved in equestrian sports; he established the family-owned Godolphin racing stable and owns Darley Racing, a thoroughbred breeding enterprise active across six nations. In 2012, he secured victory at the FEI World Endurance Championship riding Madji Du Pont over a distance of 160 km.

Early life

Sheikh Mohammed is the third son among four brothers born to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ruled Dubai, and belongs to the ruling Al Maktoum dynasty, which traces its lineage to the House of Al-Falasi. His mother was Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, daughter of former Abu Dhabi leader Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. Raised in a large household without electricity, his home accommodated more than a hundred individuals including domestic staff.[1]

Education

Beginning at age four, Mohammed was privately instructed in Arabic language and Islamic Studies. His formal schooling started at Al Ahmedia School in 1955, followed by enrollment at Al Shaab School at age ten, then advancing to Dubai Secondary School two years later. In 1966, he attended the English Language School operated by the Bell Educational Trust in the United Kingdom alongside his cousin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name He subsequently graduated from the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, where he was awarded the sword of honour as the top student among Commonwealth cadets.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Additionally, he completed pilot training in Italy.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Dubai Police

At the age of 20, following his completion of military training, Mohammed was appointed by his father, Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, to lead both the Dubai Police Force and the Dubai Defence Force. These forces were subsequently consolidated into the Union Defence Force.

Minister of Defence

In January 1968, Mohammed was present at the pivotal meeting between his father and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which laid the groundwork for uniting the emirates prior to the British withdrawal from the Trucial States. Upon the establishment of the UAE on 2 December 1971, at just 22 years old, he was appointed as the nation’s inaugural minister of defence.

Following the federation, disputes erupted among tribes concerning territorial boundaries and property rights. On 24 January 1972, Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi orchestrated a coup against Sharjah’s ruler, Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. The ensuing conflict involved predominantly Egyptian mercenaries. Mohammed accepted Saqr’s surrender after hostilities. Khalid was killed during these events, and his brother Sultan assumed rulership. Mohammed transferred Saqr to UAE president Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who placed him under house arrest in Al Ain.

In 1973, Mohammed took part in negotiations with hijackers of Japan Air Lines Flight 404, although hostages were ultimately released in Libya. He also successfully mediated with hijackers of KLM Flight 861, ensuring both hostage release and safe exit for the perpetrators. By 1977, he had overseen the unification of Dubai’s military forces with those from other emirates.

Crown Prince of Dubai

On 3 January 1995, Mohammed was named crown prince by his brother Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, then ruler of Dubai; their brother Hamdan was appointed deputy ruler.

Later that year, he initiated the Dubai Shopping Festival, which has since become a significant contributor to the economy of the UAE.

In 2001, he directed the detention of Obaid Saqr bin-Busit, who served as head of Dubai Customs and chairman of the World Customs Association.

Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister

After serving nearly ten years as de facto leader, Mohammed officially assumed the role of ruler of Dubai on 4 January 2006 following the passing of his brother Maktoum. The day after, he was appointed vice president of the UAE by the Federal National Council, and on 11 February he received formal approval as prime minister.

Mohammed holds absolute monarchical authority over Dubai. The governance system functions autocratically without democratic frameworks and actively suppresses opposition. Experts and human rights entities characterize the UAE as an authoritarian regime with documented instances of torture and enforced disappearances targeting critics. There is a close interconnection between state assets and those controlled by the ruling House of Maktoum.

In 2006, he founded the Dubai Establishment for Women Development—renamed in 2009 as the Dubai Women Establishment—and later established the UAE Gender Balance Council in 2015 to advance women’s empowerment initiatives.

On 19 October 2020, Mohammed led the UAE Cabinet in endorsing a landmark peace treaty with Israel that normalized diplomatic relations. Subsequently, in January 2021, the Cabinet approved establishing an Emirati embassy in Tel Aviv, followed by Mohammed swearing in the first Emirati ambassador to Israel a month later.

Space exploration

In 2015, Mohammed established the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, which unveiled plans for a spacecraft mission to Mars focused on analyzing the planet's atmosphere. Mars was selected for its formidable challenge, with an emphasis on the positive impact this would have on the Emirati economy. The mission, titled Hope following a public selection process, sought to instill hope among young Arabs and rekindle the region’s historic contributions to scientific progress.

The Hope mission successfully entered orbit around Mars on 9 February 2021, marking the first Arab space endeavor and joining two other missions that reached Mars in July 2020 from the US and China. Shortly after arrival, it released its initial images.

In 2020, Mohammed revealed plans for a second mission aimed at the moon. The Emirates Lunar Mission included the lunar rover Rashid, which was reportedly developed entirely within the UAE and launched on 11 December 2022 aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. Additionally, his book The Journey from the Desert to the Stars achieved a milestone by being sent from the International Space Station by Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi.

Business career

Mohammed has played a pivotal role in founding and expanding major business ventures and economic assets in Dubai, primarily through two organizations under his control: Dubai World and Dubai Holding. Given Dubai law grants ownership of all undeveloped land to the ruling family, this has allowed substantial returns from real estate development. During his tenure, Dubai’s population surged rapidly, sparking a property boom partly driven by his 2002 decree permitting foreigners to acquire property.

By official decree, he created Dubai World, launching it on 2 July 2006 as a holding company that brought together assets such as logistics operator DP World, property developer Nakheel Properties, and investment firm Istithmar World. Employing more than 50,000 people across over 100 cities globally, Dubai World holds investments in sectors including real estate and logistics across markets like the United States, United Kingdom, and South Africa. The company remains government-owned.

Sheikh Mohammed’s personal corporate interests are managed via Dubai Holding, which undertakes a broad range of investments. Dubai Holding benefits from its ties to the ruling family and receives government allocations of land without cost.

He was also instrumental in launching Emirates Airline, which has become a key element of Dubai’s international business stature.


Launch of Emirates Airline

During the 1970s, while serving as head of Dubai Defence Force and UAE Minister of Defence, Mohammed oversaw Dubai’s energy resources and led the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. In March 1985, he founded Emirates Airline, appointing then-Dnata chief Maurice Flanagan to initiate operations following disagreements with Gulf Air over Dubai's 'Open Skies' approach. The airline began with a $10 million budget, conducting its first flight on 25 October 1985. Sheikh Mohammed designated his uncle Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum as chairman. An additional $75 million was invested in infrastructure; however, Emirates has consistently stated it did not receive further subsidies during its rapid expansion into a leading global carrier.

In 1989, Mohammed inaugurated the inaugural Dubai Airshow. By 2013, this event hosted over 1,000 exhibitors and served as the site for Emirates’ landmark $99 billion aircraft order with Airbus for A380s and with Boeing for the 777X.

Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah

In December 1999, the Burj Al Arab was inaugurated, a project designed by WS Atkins to realize Mohammed's ambition of creating "a genuinely iconic" luxury hotel. Situated on a man-made island near the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, it is promoted as "the world's most luxurious hotel." The Jumeirah Beach Hotel was the inaugural property managed by Jumeirah, a hotel management firm established by Mohammed in 1997 and headed by former Trust House Forte executive Gerald Lawless. The island foundation for Burj Al Arab required three years of construction before above-ground work commenced. After becoming part of Dubai Holding in 2004, Jumeirah broadened its global footprint and currently operates 22 hotels across ten nations.

Dubai Internet City and TECOM

On 29 October 1999, Mohammed announced the launch of Dubai Internet City, a dedicated technology hub and free trade zone offering enterprises extended leases, full ownership rights, and simplified governmental procedures. The first occupants arrived in October 2000, and today DIC employs approximately 15,000 individuals. In November 2000, Dubai Media City, a media production free zone co-located with DIC, was introduced. The creation of DIC included Mohammed’s assurances concerning media liberties; notably, in 2007, he prohibited the incarceration of journalists following incidents related to libel.

Palm Islands

The development of the Palm Islands was undertaken by Nakheel Properties, a company founded by Mohammed.

Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives (MBRGI)

The Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives unites more than 33 charitable organizations and projects, implementing upwards of 1,400 development programs, including the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU).

Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government

Formerly known as the Dubai School of Government, the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government is a research center specializing in public policy and administrative studies.

Aid to Palestine

In response to the 2008–2009 Gaza war, Mohammed provided 600 homes to residents in Gaza.

Support for Mosque Construction in the Netherlands

In 2000, Mohammed contributed €4 million toward building the Essalaam Mosque in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

In June 2017, two new initiatives were incorporated into the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives under the "Empowering Communities" program: the International Institute for Tolerance and the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for Tolerance. Sheikh Mohammed issued Law No. (9) of 2017 establishing the Institute, alongside decrees appointing its Board of Trustees and Managing Director. The Institute’s mission includes fostering tolerance, strengthening social cohesion, enhancing the UAE’s international reputation as a model of tolerance, combating extremism and discrimination, and recognizing contributors to interfaith dialogue.

Sporting interests

Mohammed plays a prominent role in global thoroughbred horse racing and breeding through ownership of Darley Stud, the world’s largest horse breeding enterprise with facilities in the US, Ireland, England, and Australia. He acquired the Irish thoroughbred Park Appeal in 1985, which became an ancestor to numerous successful racehorses.

His official involvement in horse racing began in 1967; he recorded his first victory as an owner with Hatta at Brighton in 1977. By 1981, he had purchased Gainsborough Stud in Berkshire, UK, and also owns Ballysheehan Stud in Ireland along with Gainsborough Farm Inc. in Kentucky. His operations encompass Darley Racing and leadership over his family’s Godolphin Stables. He hosts the prestigious Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse.

By 1992, despite conventional advice against it, Mohammed began wintering horses in Dubai—a strategy that led to significant victories and culminated in founding Godolphin in 1994. A notable disagreement regarding horse welfare caused a split with trainer Henry Cecil in 1995. Godolphin secured its first major triumph with Balanchine at the 1994 Oaks; other champions include Lammtarra, Daylami, Street Cry, Dubawi, and Dubai Millennium—his favorite—who won nine out of ten races before injury curtailed his career.

Since its inception in 1996 as the world’s richest horse race with a purse now totaling $27 million, the Dubai World Cup attracts elite international competitors like American legend Cigar. Mohammed’s horses have won numerous Group One events including British Classics, the Irish Derby, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and Bernardini’s victory at the 2006 Preakness Stakes. In 2008, he purchased Woodlands Stud for over $460 million but opted not to acquire Charlton Athletic F.C.

At age 63, Mohammed clinched the World Endurance Championship over a distance of 160 km in 2012. His thoroughbred and endurance horses have faced doping allegations linked to trainers. His endurance stable has also been involved in controversies including fatal injuries and use of ringers; these issues led to a suspension of UAE equestrian activities by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) in 2015.

During the 2006 Asian Games, his eldest son Rashid earned individual gold in endurance riding; sons Rashid, Ahmed, Majid, and Hamdan secured team gold medals; niece Latifa won bronze in show jumping; daughter Maitha captained UAE’s taekwondo squad. After the UAE national football team won the Gulf Cup in 2013, Mohammed rewarded them with 50 million dirhams ($13.7 million), supplemented by additional gifts from his wife and grandsons.

Godolphin's Cross Counter triumphed at the 2018 Melbourne Cup with jockey Kerrin McEvoy and trainer Charlie Appleby.

Allegations Surrounding the Kidnapping of Sheikha Latifa and Sheikha Shamsa

Mohammed has three daughters named Latifa; however, only one is implicated in these claims.

During the early 2000s, British police conducted an investigation following accusations made by a former equestrian instructor regarding an attempted escape by Mohammed's daughter Latifa (born 1985) from the family residence in England. The inquiry also addressed the alleged abduction of Latifa’s sister Shamsa in Cambridge in 2001. The investigation did not reach a definitive conclusion. Since that time, Mohammed has faced allegations related to the mistreatment of Sheikha Latifa.

On 11 March 2018, a video surfaced featuring Sheikha Latifa after her unsuccessful attempt to leave the UAE and subsequent disappearance. In this footage, she accused her father of abuse and implicated him in multiple murders. This escape effort was examined by Australian network Nine News and the BBC program Newsnight.

In December 2018, after a meeting with Latifa attended by family members, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson stated that Latifa was under familial care. This assessment drew criticism from human rights organizations, which questioned Robinson’s capacity to accurately evaluate Latifa’s wellbeing during the visit. Subsequently, Robinson expressed feeling "horribly tricked" once images from the private meeting became public. During the encounter, both Robinson and Princess Haya were informed that Latifa suffered from bipolar disorder—a diagnosis disputed by other observers. Marcus Essabri, a cousin of Latifa, suggested that photographs indicated she was medicated while confined under her father’s directives.

In February 2021, BBC footage revealed Latifa describing herself as having been "a hostage" for over a year, held in solitary confinement without access to medical or legal assistance. She claimed to be detained in what she termed a "villa jail," guarded by police forces. While family members maintained she was enjoying life at home, Latifa recounted threats against her life and imprisonment should she fail to comply.

Investigations into Pegasus spyware disclosed that Latifa’s name appeared on a list of potential surveillance targets shortly before Indian commandos intercepted her near India’s coast during her escape attempt. A statement issued by legal representatives later declared she was free to travel and requested privacy be respected. The #FreeLatifa movement concluded after she was publicly photographed in various locations including Dubai, Spain, and Iceland.

In February 2022, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet reported meeting with Latifa in Paris. She confirmed Latifa’s wellbeing and appealed for respect regarding her privacy.

Princess Haya’s Departure

In June 2019, Princess Haya fled Dubai accompanied by their two children, initially seeking political asylum in Germany. An Instagram post featuring a poem by Mohammed appeared to allude to feelings of betrayal within their relationship.

Subsequently relocating to the United Kingdom, Haya filed legal petitions at the High Court of Justice in London in July 2019 seeking sole custody of their children along with a forced marriage protection order (FMPO) and a non-molestation injunction.

By December 2019, a UK family court determined that Mohammed had likely engaged in "taunting" Princess Haya following disclosures of her extramarital relationship. This behavior was characterized as "a campaign of intimidation," reportedly involving firearms placed on her pillow. These findings were made public in March 2021. In October 2021, the High Court ruled that agents acting on Mohammed’s behalf had employed Israeli Pegasus spyware to hack into phones belonging to Princess Haya and her associates during 2020. The court condemned these actions as criminal violations and an abuse of authority by a head of state; Mohammed denied any knowledge of the surveillance.

In December 2021, Princess Haya was granted full custody of their children along with spousal support amounting to US$720 million. In 2022, the court prohibited Mohammed from having direct contact with his children or participating in decisions affecting their lives.

Exploitation of Child Camel Jockeys

In September 2006, allegations surfaced accusing Mohammed of facilitating the kidnapping and enslavement of thousands of boys used as camel jockeys, resulting in a class-action lawsuit filed in Florida. Attorneys representing the UAE in the United States sought dismissal, contending that none of the involved parties resided within the US and pointing to a UN-supported program benefiting these children. In July 2007, Judge Cecilia Altonaga ruled to dismiss the case.

That same year, a UNICEF-supported collaboration with the UAE government successfully repatriated hundreds of former child camel jockeys, offering social support and financial restitution in their countries of origin—Pakistan, Sudan, Mauritania, and Bangladesh. The UAE initially dedicated US$2.7 million to this initiative and later allocated an additional $9 million for its subsequent phase. To ensure enforcement, legislation was passed in the UAE prohibiting the use of child jockeys, imposing penalties including imprisonment and fines up to $27,200. UNICEF praised these measures, expressing hope that the UAE’s approach would become a regional exemplar for eradicating child exploitation.

Doping Controversy in Horse Racing

In April 2013, Mahmood Al Zarooni, trainer at Mohammed’s Godolphin stables, received an eight-year ban from the British Horseracing Authority after being found guilty of administering steroids to eleven racehorses. Mohammed conveyed his "shock and disappointment," shutting down the stable to conduct comprehensive drug testing on all horses under Al Zarooni’s supervision. The following month, acting as UAE prime minister, he enacted legislation criminalizing anabolic steroid use in horses within the country.

By October 2013, investigations revealed shipments of potentially harmful steroids, anaesthetics, and anti-inflammatory medications entering the UAE disguised under labels such as "horse tack." The Telegraph highlighted a public relations effort framing Mohammed as a victim of employee misconduct.

Offshore Holdings Disclosed in Pandora Papers

In October 2021, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists disclosed that Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum utilized offshore entities to manage and grow his wealth. He established three companies in tax havens—the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas—via Axiom Limited, an Emirati firm partially owned by Dubai Holding, where Mohammed holds significant stakes. These companies supported the expansion of his principal business ventures.

Personal Details

Sheikh Mohammed is father to 26 children from multiple wives.

Among his former spouses is Princess Haya bint Hussein, daughter of Jordan’s late King Hussein and half-sister to King Abdullah II. In 2022, England’s High Court ruled that Sheikh Mohammed must refrain from direct contact with his children by Princess Haya and from influencing decisions concerning them due to coercive and abusive conduct that inflicted emotional distress.

On 19 September 2022, he was present at Westminster Abbey in London for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Beyond Arabic, he is also fluent in English.

Financial Portfolio and Holdings

The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project estimated Sheikh Mohammed’s net worth at approximately $14 billion in 2021.

He owns the yacht Dubai, constructed by Blohm + Voss with design by Andrew Winch. Measuring 162 meters, it ranked as the world’s third-largest yacht in 2014 and can accommodate up to 115 individuals including crew members. Another vessel he owns is Alloya, a 40-meter yacht built by Sanlorenzo in 2013.

His real estate holdings in the United Kingdom exceed £100 million in value, complemented by properties in Rome held through a Luxembourg-registered company. A joint investigation by The Guardian and Transparency International in 2021 identified him among the UK’s major landowners with over 100,000 acres under his name. Many assets are held through offshore entities based in jurisdictions like Guernsey and Jersey; however, his legal representatives have denied any tax avoidance intentions behind these arrangements.

The Pandora Papers released in 2021 revealed Sheikh Mohammed as a shareholder in three additional companies registered within secrecy jurisdictions.

Spouses and Offspring

Mohammed has been wed to a minimum of eleven women. By 2023, he remains married only to his first spouse, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Al Maktoum, having divorced all others.

Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum

Mohammed and Hind, who are first cousins, entered into marriage in 1979. Together, they have twelve children:

  • Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 6 November 1980), who is married to Sheikh Saeed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum; they have three children:
    • Sheikha Hind bint Saeed Al Maktoum (born 25 November 2009)
    • Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (born 20 May 2012)
    • Sheikha Salama bint Saeed Al Maktoum (born 17 July 2018)
  • Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (12 November 1981 – 19 September 2015), father of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (born 18 November 2004)
  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 14 November 1982), serving as Crown Prince of Dubai since 2008 and appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of the UAE in 2024; he is married to Sheikha Shaikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum and they have four children:
    • Twins Sheikh Rashid and Sheikha Shaikha (born 20 May 2021)
    • Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan Al Maktoum (born 25 February 2023)
    • Sheikha Hind bint Hamdan Al Maktoum (born 22 March 2025)
  • Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 24 November 1983), holding the position of First Deputy Ruler of Dubai since 2008, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE since 2021; he is married to Sheikha Maryam bint Butti bin Maktoum Al Maktoum and they have four daughters:
    • Sheikha Hind (born 24 November 2020), Sheikha Latifa (born 11 January 2022), Sheikha Shaikha (born 25 January 2023), Maryam Bint Maktoum (born 7 July 2025)
  • Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 7 February 1987), appointed Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai in 2023; he is wed to Sheikha Madiyah bint Dalmook Al Maktoum and they have one daughter:
    • Sheikha Hind bint Ahmed Al Maktoum (born 22 October 2022)
  • Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 20 March 1988)
  • Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (III) (born 30 March 1989), wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah; the couple has five children
  • Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (II) (born 11 January 1992), married to Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan with three sons
  • Sheikha Shaikha bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 20 December 1992), wife of Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa; they have five children
  • Sheikha Futtaim bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 22 July 1994)
  • Sheikha Salamah bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 8 August 1999)
  • Sheikha Shamma bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 13 November 2001)

Haya bint Hussein

On April 10, 2004, Sheikh Mohammed wed Princess Haya bint Hussein, with their divorce finalized on February 7, 2019. They share two children:

  • Sheikha Al Jalila bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born December 2, 2007).
  • Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (born January 7, 2012).

Randa bint Mohammad Al-Banna

The sheikh's marriage to Randa bint Mohammed Al-Banna began in 1972 and ended in divorce. Their union produced one daughter:

  • Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born November 12, 1977), who is married to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan; they have five children:
    • Sheikha Fatima bint Mansour Al Nahyan (born June 9, 2006).
    • Sheikh Mohammed bin Mansour Al Nahyan (born December 4, 2007).
    • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mansour Al Nahyan (born June 21, 2011).
    • Sheikha Latifa bint Mansour Al Nahyan (born January 23, 2014).
    • Sheikh Rashid bin Mansour Al Nahyan (born March 22, 2017).

Delila Aloula

From his union with Delila Aloula, Mohammed is the father of three daughters:

  • Sheikha Dalal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum
  • Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (I) (born 16 June 1983), who is wedded to Sheikh Faisal bin Saud bin Khalid Al Qassimi. Together, they have four children:
    • Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Qassimi (born 28 July 2018)
    • Sheikha Shaikha bint Faisal Al Qassimi (born 29 October 2020)
    • Sheikh Hamdan bin Faisal Al Qassimi (born 24 December 2021)
    • Sheikha Hind bint Faisal Al Qassimi (born 14 May 2023)
  • Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (I) (born 11 August 1987), married to Sheikh Suhail bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, with whom she has four children:
    • Sheikha Fatima bint Suhail Al Maktoum (born 26 September 2019)
    • Sheikh Ahmed bin Suhail Al Maktoum (born 1 December 2020)
    • Sheikha Latifa bint Suhail Al Maktoum (born 17 February 2022)
    • Sheikha Hessa bint Suhail Al Maktoum (born 3 February 2024)

Houria Ahmed Lamara

Mohammed's marriage to Houria Ahmed Lamara produced five offspring:

  • Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 5 March 1980)
  • Sheikha Shamsa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 15 August 1981)
  • Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (II) (born 5 December 1985)
  • Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 16 October 1987), who is married to Hessa Beljafla. They have five children:
    • Sheikh Mohammed bin Majid Al Maktoum (born 15 July 2015)
    • Sheikha Dubai bint Majid Al Maktoum (born 15 July 2015)
    • Sheikha Maitha bint Majid Al Maktoum (born 17 May 2017)
    • Sheikh Rashid bin Majid Al Maktoum (born 2 February 2019)
    • Sheikh Maktoum bin Majid Al Maktoum (born 15 July 2022)
  • Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 26 June 1989)

Umm Marwan

From a previous marriage, Mohammed has one son:

  • Sheikh Marwan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 20 March 1981). He is married to Dalal Al Marzouq and they have two sons:
    • Sheikh Mohammed bin Marwan Al Maktoum
    • Sheikh Rashid bin Marwan Al Maktoum (born 18 June 2013)

Zoe Grigorakos

Mohammed and Zoe Grigorakos are parents to one daughter:

  • Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 26 February 1994). She was married to Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum from 2023 until their separation in 2024.
    • Sheikha Mahra bint Mana Al Maktoum (born 1 May 2024)

Dalya Al Muthanna

Sheikh Mohammed's marriage to Dr. Dalya Al Muthanna resulted in one daughter:

  • Sheikha Haya bint Mohammed Al Maktoum (born 1 October 2000)

Honours

Related topics

Additional resources

  • – Governance vision overview.
  • – Covers the UAE's independence and federation.
  • – Analysis of leadership style and policy direction.
  • Dubai The Maktoum Story by John M. Smith – A critical examination of Sheikh Mohammed's administration.

External resources

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :3
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