DUBAI, 5 January 2006 — Sheikh Maktoum ibn Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, died early yesterday morning in Australia. The news of his death, the cause of which is not known, sent a wave of shock and grief among the people of the UAE.
Funeral prayers for Sheikh Maktoum, who was 62, will be held at the Zabeel Mosque at 10 a.m. after his body arrives from Australia this morning. He will be laid to rest at the Umm Hurair Cemetery in Bur Dubai, where his father, Sheikh Rashid is buried.
Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al-Maktoum, defense minister of UAE and crown prince of Dubai, has taken over as the ruler of Dubai. The late Sheikh Maktoum officially took over as the ruler of Dubai in 1990 after his father died following a long illness.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan sent messages of condolence to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed Al-Nahayan and Sheikh Mohammed Al-Maktoum on the death of Sheikh Maktoum. “We were shocked on hearing the news of Sheikh Maktoum’s death,” the king said.
“The GCC as well as the Arab and Islamic world have lost one of its top leaders while Dubai has lost the man who was behind its economic and cultural progress,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted King Abdullah as saying about the late ruler of Dubai. Riyadh Governor Prince Salman will head the Kingdom’s delegation to the funeral.
President Khalifa said in a statement, “The country has lost a historic leader who devoted all his life to establishing the UAE and enhancing its structure and the welfare of its people. He was an example of sincere commitment placing the country’s interest over any other considerations. His constructive role in leading the UAE to success will be etched in the memory of the nation.”
Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa expressed his condolences in Cairo, praising Sheikh Maktoum for his “defense of Arab and Islamic causes.”
A 40-day official mourning has been announced by the government during which flags will fly at half-staff. Ministries, government offices, institutions and other departments will remain closed for seven days starting yesterday.
The Ministry of Education has put off the scheduled private school examinations to Jan. 14 when schools will reopen.
Private sector companies and corporations across the country will remain closed for three days starting today as a mark of respect for the late leader and to mourn his demise, according to an official circular issued by Minister of Labor Abdulla Al-Kaabi.
The globally famed Dubai Shopping Festival extravaganza that attracts millions of visitors from the world over scheduled to open yesterday evening with a dazzling display of fireworks, dances and laser show was canceled. Stock markets also shut down on hearing the news.
Born in the family home in Shindagha, near the mouth of Dubai Creek, Sheikh Maktoum was educated at a British university. He was a simple man who always cared for the poor and showed great concern for Arab and Muslim causes.
He was internationally known for his love of the turf and owning thoroughbreds and as co-owner of Dubai’s Godolphin stables.
