Abu Dhabi, Jan 4th, 2006 (WAM)--Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who passed away early Wednesdaywhile on a visit to Australia, was born in 1943 in the Shindagha neighbourhood, close to the entrance to Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai).

In his youth, he studied mathematics, English and Arabic and religious studies.

On 4th October 1958, his father, Sheikh Rashid assumed power as Ruler of Dubai in an official inauguration ceremony,the first of its kind to have taken place..

As a precursor of the prominent role he was to play in the future, Sheikh Maktoum was entrusted by Sheikh Rashid to deliver a speech on his behalf at the accession ceremony.

From then onwards, he was his father's right hand.

Due to the efforts made in the late 1950s and 1960s by both Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Maktoum, a number of development projects in the growing emirate, such as Dubai International Airport, power generation plants, the firsthotel in Dubai and schools and new housing quarters saw the light of day.

In the early 1960s, Sheikh Maktoum completed his studies locally before he was sent by his father for further education in one of the leading universities in Britain. There he mingled with students of various nationalities, many of them were the sons of world leaders and other politicians from around the world. The experience he gained proved to be of great benefit,particularly during the political events that took place in what were then known as the Trucial States in the latter part of the 1960s.

Records from the time show that Sheikh Maktoum used to accompany his father on a regular basis in the early 1960s to the meetings of the Trucial States Council, a body that brought together the Rulers of all of the Emirates.

In 1966, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan took office as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Council then began seriously to discuss the idea of a future formation of a federation. Two years later, on 16 January 1968, Britain declared its intention to close its bases inthe Arabian Gulf by the end of 1971 and the Rulers of of Abu Dhabi and Dubai opted to embark on practical measures to push forward the idea of federation. As a first step, six weeks of discussiontook place between them to resolve all outstanding issues, prior to setting out the framework for the proposed federal state.

Sheikh Maktoum, then only 25, joined his father in talks with SheikhZayed and other senior officials. Over the six week period, he was ableto promote a spirit of consensus with the Government of Abu Dhabi on many issues.

His efforts paid off when, on 18th February 1968, he and his fathertravelled to a desert point in Abu Dhabi emirate near the Dubai borderto take part in one of the major events that preceded the declarationof the federation.

On 10th July 1971, both Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Maktoum hosted inDubai delegations from the other six Trucial Sheikhdoms to attend a Councilmeeting. Sheikh Maktoum's skill as a statesman played a major part inthe formation, several months later, of the federation.

In a special ceremony held in Dubai on 2nd December 1971, the Rulersof the Emirates signed an accord establishing the State of the UnitedArab Emirates. Sheikh Zayed was elected as President and Sheikh Rashidas Vice President, while Sheikh Maktoum was appointed as Prime Minister,presiding over the first meeting of the UAE Cabinet on 2nd April 1972.

Sheikh Maktoum remained Prime Minister until 1979 when he steppeddown for his father.

In May 1981, Sheikh Rashid fell sick and the onus fell on his sons.

Although he recovered, Sheikh Rashid opted to take rest and hence to allowSheikh Maktoum to be at the helm of the emirate.

Sheikh Maktoum has accorded considerable attention to all aspects ofdevelopment, and to education and legislation in particular.He servedin many capacities during the 1980s and won a wide reputation as a mandeeply devoted to charitable activities. His generous hands have turnedhim into a legend not only in Dubai and the UAE but also in many partsof the Third World.

In November 1990, following the death of Sheikh Rashid, Sheikh Maktoumbecame UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. His returnto the premiership was associated with one of the most important developmentprojects in UAE history, the adoption of a national programme for constructingthousands of residential units for low-income citizens in Sharjah, Ajman,Umm al-Qaiwain, Ra's al-Khaimah and Fujairah.

He also oversaw several development projects designed to upgrade thestandards of living of citizens in all parts of the UAE, including theremotest areas.

Within Dubai, his shrewd leadership led to great achievements as shownin the many infrastructural and utility projects completed during the1980s and 1990s.

The late Sheikh Maktoum accorded paramount attention to the careerdevelopment of UAE citizens. "The future of the UAE largely depends onthe success of the UAE government in realising the objectives for whichthe Union was created", he said in a statement in 1972.

Sheikh Maktoum is credited with introducing Arabs to the world of international equestrian competitions. He was the pioneer in introducingArabs to international horse-racing and to the establishment of stablesfor the best breeds. He was the most successful horse owner in Europein 1997.

Much credit is due to the late Sheikh Maktoum for the creation of "Godolphin", the equestrian team whose marvellous achievements have introduced revolutionary concepts to the sport. He was also the mastermindof the Dubai World Cup, an equestrian event that has acquired the world'sattention with the quality of participating horses and its lucrative prizes.

He also led Godolphin to new challenges when he took them to competein the US sand racetracks. Through his personal interest in horses, SheikhMaktoum effectively helped to revive an age-old tradition.

The life of the late Sheikh Maktoum was outstanding in many respects.

From the moment he assumed the premiership of the first federal cabinetup until his untimely death, he worked relentlessly for consolidatingthe union. Following the death of his father, Sheikh Rashid, he successfullyfaced the formidable challenges and provided much support to the lateSheikh Zayed in building the Nation.