Can you imagine Dubai without its high-rise buildings, efficient transport, and picturesque locations? Actually, neither can we! This land that was nothing but barren saw transformation that no one could see coming, except the one with a vision and foresight that was about to change the rules of the game, a leader who exuded willpower and courage to build a city, that we call home today! 

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has time and again proved to be an extraordinary leader on the global front. His unswerving support bolstered by a consistent commitment to being the best has been instrumental to the progressive and rapid development of the UAE, particularly, Dubai. 

July 15 marks the ruler’s birthday and today we’re recognizing the 10 times Sheikh Mohammed has left us in awe of his remarkable foresight and implementation… Happy birthday!

10. Dubai Metro 

Saving us from late mornings, early meetings, or a car breakdown, Dubai Metro always comes to our rescue! This advanced and modern rail system was inaugurated on the 9th of September in 2009 under the guidance and direction of Sheikh Mohammed. Dubai Metro, attest to Sheikh Mohammed’s visionary leadership. Today, the city’s unmanned metro system opens doors to efficient travel and exploration. 

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9. Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares, a member of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, truly embodies the resolute vision of Sheikh Mohammed in perceiving education as an irrevocable asset in the making of a nation. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum illustrated how essential innovation partnered with compassion is to impact revolutionary change. With his sheer desire in providing quality education and limitless opportunities for all, this philanthropic organization based in Dubai, UAE, has effectively launched education programs that have benefited over 21 million people in 60 developing countries.

 

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8. Burj Al Arab

During his reign as crown prince, he oversaw the development of the Burj Al Arab, which opened in September 1999, magnifying Dubai’s prominence on the map. Burj Al Arab is an iconic symbol of luxury and opulence. Under Sheikh Mohammed’s orchestration, the focus of the project from the start was to construct an incomparable and transcendent hotel. In 2016, he opened the Burj Al Arab Terrace whilst praising the concept of the project, as it typified the highest innovation and modernism in design and implementation. 

7. Dubai Airports

Seamless travel, luxury, comfort, and aesthetic… Dubai International Airport is home to all that and more. Grown to be one of the busiest in the world, Dubai International (DXB) serves as a catalyst for the growth and advancement of the aviation sector in the world. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum carried forward the vision of his father, establishing Dubai as a global center for tourism. Sheikh Mohammed also advocated for expansion to handle the rising passenger traffic. Dubai’s Terminal 3, the home of Emirates Airlines, is one of the largest airport terminals in the world. He further championed the construction of Al Maktoum International Airport, located in the Dubai World Central Complex. In addition to infrastructure development, Sheikh Mohammed prioritized continuous innovation, collaboration, and investment in cutting-edge technology, significantly transforming Dubai into a global aviation powerhouse. 

6. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, holds the distinction of being the world’s largest solar park located on a single site. With an ambitious goal of achieving a production capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030, the park has attracted substantial investments amounting to AED 50 billion. Once fully developed, this remarkable project is projected to annually reduce carbon emissions by more than 6.5 million tons, making a significant contribution towards sustainability and environmental preservation and demonstrating Dubai’s dedication to sustainable development and renewable energy. The 200MW second phase of the solar park was inaugurated in March 2017 by Sheikh Mohammed. This momentous milestone signaled the launch of the region’s largest project of its sort in the solar energy industry.

5. Dubai Internet City

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a product of Sheikh Mohammed’s ingenious and forward-looking leadership. By recognizing the potential of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, Sheikh Mohammed provided the initial impetus for the establishment of Dubai Internet City in 1999; envisioning the creation of a dedicated technology park to anchor the emirate as the regional technology hub. 24 years later, DIC, is home to numerous multinational technology companies and has played a crucial role in the growth of the ICT sector in the region.

 

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4. UAE Vision 2021

Launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, at the closing of a Cabinet meeting in 2010, UAE’s Vision 2021 was created to accelerate the nation’s growth in healthcare, education, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. As the driving force behind the vision, Sheikh Mohammed provided exceptional strategic direction to guide the nation’s development and progress across various sectors with the aim to make UAE among the best countries in the world by the Golden Jubilee of the Union. But it didn’t just stop there as in 2022, Sheikh Mohammed launched “We The UAE 2031”, representing the governmental vision for the next decade to drive the nation’s development towards a future of greater victory and development.

3. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Since its launch in 2004, DIFC has significantly increased the breadth and depth of the UAE and Dubai’s financial services sector and continues to be a major force behind innovation and change. Sheikh Mohammed mobilized the DIFC’s position as a pivotal hub in the global financial network. The Centre’s accomplishments have been fueled by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision, which has allowed it to emerge as the best-performing free zone in the world for attracting FDI projects in the financial services industry over the course of the past five years.

2. Burj Khalifa

In 2010, as Sheikh Mohammed inaugurated Burj Khalifa, the tallest building to be built by man, putting Dubai on an international pedestal. This iconic landmark wouldn’t have translated into reality without the leadership and guidance of Sheikh Mohammed who helped navigate the complexities of such an ambitious undertaking, ensuring its successful completion. A man of such high honor and power, Sheikh Mohammed did not forget to credit this major accomplishment to the large work team behind the scenes. The tremendous respect he holds for the founding fathers led him to reveal that the name of the tallest man-made building on earth is linked to the name of one of the greatest people, giving it the name Burj Khalifa.

And last, but of course not least… EXPO 2020!

EXPO 2020 – When the world was powerless to stand up and even as it collapsed and all willpower vanished, this did not stop our visionary extraordinaire to succeed as he held the city together stronger than ever. During the pandemic, Sheikh Mohammed successfully ensured the incredible delivery of Expo 2020 Dubai, a six-month event that showcased innovation, culture, and business opportunities to a global audience. The event, which attracted over 24 million visitors from all over the world, intended to create a lasting legacy and further elevate Dubai’s standing as a global hub. 

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