Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the deputy ruler of the Emirate of Dubai and internationally acclaimed horseman, passed away on Wednesday.
The news of his demise came from his brother and Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in a tweet. Sheikh Hamdan had been in failing health for many months and had undergone an unstated surgery.
Sheikh Hamdan had served as deputy ruler of Dubai and finance minister of the UAE under his brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current prime minister of the UAE.
In 1971, when UAE formed its first cabinet, Sheikh Hamdan was designated the finance minister and retained the position until his demise.
He had established Shadwell Racing, his first racing stable in Norfolk, U.K. in the 1980s, which rose to win major international races with his horses in blue and white silks. The successes drew global attention and popularity for Sheikh Hamdan. He also owned 8 stud farms with well-bred stallions and horses in the U.S., Britain, and Ireland. Shadwell Stud expressed their condolences in a tweet.
Major foreign investments, the growth of Dubai as a major regional financial hub, and the country’s oil wealth bloomed in his long tenure.
His funeral service will be attended by family members due to Covid-19 restrictions, according to Dubai’s Media Office, which ordered the closing of government offices for three days of mourning.