Al Maktoum family

The Al Maktoum family is the ruling family of Dubai and has played a central role in the emirate's history and development since 1833. The dynasty was established when Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti and approximately 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe left Abu Dhabi to take control of Dubai, transforming it into a thriving port and trading center.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti became the first ruler of the Al Maktoum dynasty, and his leadership laid the foundation for the emirate’s future prosperity. After his death in 1852, his brother Sheikh Saeed bin Butti succeeded him, overseeing the stabilization and further growth of Dubai through alliances and trade expansion.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the family extended its influence and managed Dubai’s affairs amid economic challenges and regional conflicts. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum, a nephew of Saeed bin Butti, succeeded in strengthening Dubai’s trade networks and modernizing its infrastructure.

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum, who ascended to power in 1912, led Dubai’s significant growth period, focusing on port development, infrastructure projects like Port Rashid and Dubai World Trade Center, and economic diversification efforts. His rule lasted until his death in 1958, after which Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum took over, guiding Dubai through its most transformative era.

Sheikh Rashid was instrumental in laying the groundwork for Dubai’s rapid modernization and economic diversification away from pearl fishing to trade, real estate, and tourism. His son, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, became the ruler of Dubai in 2006, following Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s death, and he currently leads Dubai as well as the United Arab Emirates as the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence.

The family’s influence extends beyond politics; they also own major assets like Godolphin, a renowned thoroughbred stud.