Thursday, Jan 05, 2006

Within a short period of time, the UAE has lost two pillars of its modern development: Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Shaikh Maktoum's death yesterday came as a severe blow to the people of Dubai and to all residents of the UAE. Throughout his life, Shaikh Maktoum's generosity and his open-handedness made him a popular UAE figure.

Shaikh Maktoum, a descendent of Al Bu Flasa of the powerful Bani Yas tribe, was born in 1943. He was the first male child of Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai from 1958-1990.

By the age of eight or nine, it was clear that Shaikh Maktoum was a talented child. His father recognised his son's abilities and his gift of leadership. Therefore, during Shaikh Rashid's lifetime, Shaikh Maktoum became not only heir apparent but also Shaikh Rashid's right-hand man.

This was clear during the difficult years of establishing the federation of the United Arab Emirates, especially when negotiations almost reached a dead end. Shaikh Maktoum's ability as a great negotiator and decision-maker was then apparent.

After Shaikh Rashid's death on October 7, 1990, Shaikh Maktoum became the Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE. This meant extra responsibilities for Shaikh Maktoum, who was already shouldering many heavy responsibilities in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai.

Shaikh Maktoum came to power at a time of political turmoil in the Gulf region. The turmoil was caused by Saddam Hussain's 1990 invasion of Kuwait. However, despite such political constraints, Shaikh Maktoum was wise enough to keep his emirate away from the impact of the Gulf crisis and pushed Dubai and the UAE towards more advancement.

In addition, he succeeded in bringing economic progress to Dubai, establishing Dubai as a major entrport not only in the whole Middle East but also in Asia. He also succeeded in establishing the rudiments of a new administrative machinery, by personally funding many projects.

Oil production and tourism provided Dubai with the means to fund its spectacular development in the past 16 years. Additionally, the wise management of Dubai's location and its wealth helped the small emirate to outgrow its regional position and extend its arms to the world. Shaikh Maktoum always believed that a country's wealth lies not in its money but in its nationals and that they were the shield behind which a country seeks protection. Therefore, he directed all of Dubai's resources towards building the individual and in the service of all nationals.

Wealth was also used in conjunction with knowledge to plan for its use, and for creating enlightened intellectuals to direct it. This was the core philosophy of Shaikh Maktoum. Within this framework, he believed that all of the country's citizens should have a role to play in the development process. Indeed, Shaikh Maktoum defined this as not only as a right but also as a duty.

Achievements

One of the main achievements of Shaikh Maktoum was to raise the standard of living of his people. He believed that both men and women should play their part in this process. Recognising that the lack of women's contribution in public life would slow down the developmental process, Shaikh Maktoum throughout his life encouraged women to enter the public sphere.

Dubai's local government employed thousands of women, both nationals and expatriate, by giving equal opportunities to all. The remarkable progress, in no small measure, achieved by women in Dubai is thanks to the initiatives taken by Shaikh Maktoum and his brothers.

Shaikh Maktoum also patronised the arts, music and sports as he believed that they play a vital role in enhancing the cultural life of the emirate.

Shaikh Maktoum's passion for horses is known throughout the world and Dubai became famous throughout the world for its stables and for its patronage of many world class horse races.

Under its energetic new Ruler, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai is expected to carry on with its own adopted strategy, be it in business or politics. The Maktoum brothers have long agreed on a specific plan for the emirate. Since there is a harmony among the Maktoum brothers, it is expected that Shaikh Mohammad will follow the path laid down by Shaikh Maktoum.

Finally, the legacy of Shaikh Maktoum as one of the founders of Dubai will never die.

Dr Fatma Al Sayegh is a faculty member of UAE University, Al Ain.

Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.