Home›Culture›Royal Families›Al Maktoum family
Royal Families · Dubai, UAE
The Al Maktoum family has led Dubai since 1833, and Dubai's ruling family turned a pearling town on the creek into one of the world's great cities; their vision is the reason so many travelers come to see Dubai's luxury hotels and landmarks.
At a glance
Creek, a family
In 1833 about 800 members of the Al Bu Falasah, a branch of the Bani Yas, settled at the mouth of Dubai Creek under the leadership of Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti. The family has led Dubai ever since. The United Arab Emirates was formed on 2 December 1971 by six emirates, and Ras Al Khaimah joined on 10 February 1972. Each emirate keeps its own ruling family, and the seven Rulers together form the Federal Supreme Council, the country's highest authority. Learn more in the UAE's history and culture.
Rulers who opened Dubai
Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher, who ruled from 1894 to 1906, welcomed traders from across the Gulf and Persia with low duties, laying the foundation of Dubai's mercantile character. Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum, ruler from 1912 to 1958, guided the town through the decline of pearling; his house on the creek in Al Shindagha is now a museum.
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ruler from 1958 to 1990, is honored as the builder of modern Dubai. He dredged the creek, built Port Rashid, Jebel Ali port and the World Trade Centre, and with Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi laid the groundwork for the UAE. His son Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid ruled from 1990 to 2006 and was the UAE's first Prime Minister.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been Ruler of Dubai since 4 January 2006 and is also Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. Under his leadership Dubai built Emirates into a global airline, created Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Palm Jumeirah, hosted Expo 2020 and became a leading city for business, tourism and technology. Its next chapter is set out in the Dubai D33 agenda and 2040 urban master plan. He is also a celebrated poet.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been Crown Prince of Dubai since 1 February 2008 and also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE. Known for his poetry under the name Fazza, he is a keen horseman and outdoorsman with a large following. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed is First Deputy Ruler and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed is Second Deputy Ruler.
The Al Maktoum are world names in horse racing. Godolphin, the family's racing operation, competes on every continent, and the Dubai World Cup at Meydan is one of the richest race days in the sport. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum is chairman of Emirates, the airline that links Dubai with many US cities; see our best airlines guide.
The Ruler is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Crown Prince is His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Members of the family carry the title Sheikh or Sheikha.
Al Maktoum heritage
The former ruler's home on the creek, part of the Al Shindagha Museum quarter.
Wind-tower houses, galleries and the historic Al Fahidi Fort, the old town the family led.
Home of the Dubai World Cup each spring.
A symbol of the Ruler's vision, its facade carved with his poetry in Arabic calligraphy.
Official site ↗Choose from the best luxury hotels in Dubai, see the full UAE luxury vacation guide, and for investors, Dubai Luxury Real Estate investment. Compare the region's royal houses on royal families of the Middle East.
Ultra-Luxury Real Estate · Own Here
Across the Middle East, the finest resorts and the finest homes now sit side by side, and many international buyers own before they ever visit.
Ultra-Luxury Tourism & Ultra-Luxury Real Estate
Checked October 2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.