the 500 most influential muslims - The Royal Islamic Strategic ...

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HIS HIGHNESS EMIR SHEIKH
MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM
Ruler of Dubai, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates
As prime minister and vice president of the United
Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, His Highness
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum is a
prominent head of state who has made waves in
international business and development, as well as
through substantial domestic economic and social
reforms. As a catalyst of economic growth he is one
of the most successful figures in the Muslim world.
Country: United Arab Emirates
Date of Birth: 22 July 1949
Source of Influence: Political,
Administrative
Influence: Immense financial
influence in the Gulf as the
world's fifth richest royal
School of Thought: Traditional
Sunni
Leader of Key Gulf Nation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum leads the Emirate of Dubai, and is in the
second most senior political position in the UAE. Dubai’s highly developed economy,
and the UAE’s massive oil and natural gas reserves put al Maktoum at the head of one of
the richest countries, per capita, in the world. He is the fifth richest royal in the world.
With several major seaports and airports, the UAE is noted for its infrastructure, and much
of its development is credited to al Maktoum. Over the years, the UAE has developed strong
diplomatic ties with many Western countries, the Arab League, and members of the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) that are the six Arab states of the Persian Gulf.
Leader of Substantial Muslim Population
The UAE's citizenry is approximately 96% Muslim, and a majority of Dubai's citizens are
also Muslim. Under Maktoum's leadership, their sustained tolerance toward Christian,
Jewish, Hindu and other religious minorities, has given Dubai a reputation for being open
to the free practice of religion.
Avid Developer
Al Maktoum is responsible for managing the construction of the man-made Palm Islands,
the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab, as well as the Burj Dubai, now recognized as the tallest
freestanding building in the world. This, in conjunction with its developed economy,
makes Dubai a world business hub, and a rapidly developing Gulf state.
Charitable Benefactor
Aside from having pledged $10 billion for the Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum
Educational Foundation domestically, al Maktoum is heralded as a humanitarian for
his financial relief efforts. He has donated over $910 million for children's educational
development as part of the UN Millennium Development Goals. He has also established
Noor Dubai, an initiative in conjunction with the World Health Organization, to address
treatable blindness and visual impairment in developing countries by providing medical
treatment; which has helped over 2 million people so far.
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