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Crown Prince of Dubai assumes power on brother's death

Atul Aneja

Sheikh Maktoum was known for his generosity for the Indian community, says envoy

DUBAI: Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who is the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well as the ruler of Dubai, has died.

A statement issued by the Presidential Affairs Ministry, and carried by the UAE's official news agency, WAM announced his death.

The statement did not clarify the cause of death.

However, the Dubai ruler's office said that Sheikh Maktoum, who had ruled that emirate since 1990, died early on Wednesday in Australia. In Australia, officials said that Sheikh Maktoum died at the exclusive Palazzo Versace hotel on the Gold Coast, a resort in Queensland State.

Architect of development

Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who has been the architect of the Dubai's rapid development, immediately succeeded him as ruler of the emirate, one of the seven emirates that comprise the UAE federation .

Sheikh Mohammad, who is the brother of Sheikh Maktoum, has been the intellectual driving force behind building up Dubai as a financial, business, industrial and sporting centre.

Educated in the Bell School of Languages, in Cambridge, he is credited with playing a key role in construction projects such as The Palms — a $4-billion development reclaimed from the sea, the futuristic Burj Al Arab Hotel, the world's tallest, as well as promoting the Dubai World Cup, the richest horse race in the world.

Authorities in Dubai said Sheikh Maktoum's funeral would be on Thursday, and he will be buried at Umm Hurair cemetery in Bur Dubai.

UAE's Deputy Information Minister Ibrahim Al Abed said the country's Supreme Council, which comprises the rulers of the seven constituent emirates, would choose a Vice-President to succeed Sheikh Maktoum.

The President then will nominate a new Prime Minister, who, after being approved by the Council, would form a new Cabinet.

Condolence messages

Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Moussa on Wednesday mourned Sheikh Maktoum's death.

Condolence messages have been pouring in from Saudi Arabia as well as the other neighbouring countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

In a condolence message, the Indian Business and Professional Council praised Sheikh Maktoum for his "exceptional calibre and vision", which has led to the emergence of the emirate as the "undisputed business hub for the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent."

Indian Consul General Yash Sinha expressed shock and sadness at the "sudden and tragic demise of Sheikh Maktoum."

He added that Sheikh Maktoum was known for his "kindness, generosity and affection for the large Indian community" in the emirate.

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