On the anniversary of the passing of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum — may his soul rest in peace — the builder of modern Dubai and the companion of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, we remember the wisdom that laid the foundations upon which a visionary leader, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has built and flourished.
I was privileged to grow up hearing many stories from my father, who witnessed firsthand the strong bond between Zayed and Rashid — their shared commitment to the prosperity of their people and the building of a thriving nation. Our car rides were not mere outings for sweets; they were journeys of wisdom.
Whenever we passed by Dubai World Trade Centre, my father would explain how solid foundations must be laid deep to support a structure that rises proudly on the horizon — turning Dubai into a hub for trade, global delegations, and business leaders. That was the starting point for engraving Dubai’s name on the world map.
The travels of the late Sheikh Rashid were not leisurely holidays but missions of learning and exploration, where he studied civilizations and technologies, returning with strategies that were transformed into living realities. Among his landmark decisions were the establishment of institutional frameworks for managing emerging wealth, transport, and the judiciary — and the historic Deepening of Dubai Creek project, when sand buildup nearly choked the waterway and threatened navigation. Reviving the creek restored it as a vital artery for trade and a major port, marking a turning point in Dubai’s journey as a commercial hub. Bridges and ports soon followed, making Dubai a key maritime pillar on the East–West trade route.
Today, on the 35th anniversary of Sheikh Rashid’s passing, his vision is embodied in tangible numbers. Dubai International Airport recorded 92.3 million passengers in 2024, its highest in history, with a plan underway to build a massive new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport capable of handling up to 260 million passengers. Meanwhile, Jebel Ali Port strengthened its global position with record-breaking achievements, as DP World handled 88.3 million TEUs globally in 2024.
Economically, Dubai maintained its strong momentum, with GDP reaching AED 119.7 billion in the first quarter of 2025, growing by 4% year-on-year.
These milestones are living proof of a strategic vision that anticipated the future, infrastructure built ahead of its time, and institutions governed with transparency and openness to the world.
We, the people of Dubai, are driven by this legacy, looking forward to a future that doubles our logistical capacity, enhances the knowledge economy, and opens doors of opportunity for generations to come.
Rashid remains a teacher. His life is a lesson in nation-building, and his legacy is a compass that guides us to plan far ahead — so we may reach even farther.
