His Highness Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has died.
The oldest of four children, he became prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai in 1990 following the death of his father Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Under his stewardship, Dubai has grown exponentially into one of the most progressive, modern and important cities in the Middle East.
Send us your memories, tributes or thoughts on Shaikh Maktoum by emailing tributes@gulfnews.com
Please leave your name and your city/town of residence.
A selection of your emails will be published on this page. We reserve the right to edit emails for clarity and length but cannot guarantee that all emails will be published.
I was terribly saddened today to hear of the death of Shaikh Maktoum Maktoum. I have been in his employ for 20 years. I joined Gainsborough stables in Newmarket, England in 1985. It is a tribute to him and his brothers that Dubai has been transformed into the amazing place it is today.
Stephen
Newmarket
From the ice-cold north we send our deepest condolences and warmest thoughts to the family and the people of wonderful Dubai.
Jens
Norway
His death has profoundly saddened me and my family. He will always be remembered in great reverence.
Sahar
Toronto
We were recent guests in Dubai with the opportunity to witness the foresightedness of a great man as we travelled throughout Dubai. We pray others will carry on the legacy began many years ago as a tribute to a great and wonderful visionary.
Mr and Mrs Brain
California
Please accept our deepest condolences. It was a shock to us today to learn that the beloved ruler of Dubai is no longer with us.
Prakash and Priti
Toronto
A sad day. A great loss
Camelia
Romania
The world has lost one of its generous leaders, whose vision has transformed the lives of millions around the world.
Khader
New Jersey
A sad day for the world to have lost a friend, and a very sad day for the people of Dubai who have lost a father figure.
Nazeem Khan
Cardiff
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Ahmad
Sao Paulo
If other countries would follow this man's leadership, the world would be a better place.
Kelly
Canada
The news was shocking and sad.
Raju
Hong Kong
I am sorry we lost such a man and a leader. He is a legend, we lost a great man.
Dr Tamimi
Cambridge
Sincere respect, tribute and gratitude to a great man and deepest condolences to his family and the people of UAE for this irreparable loss.
A. Martinez
Venezuela
I went in Dubai last December and found it to be a modern, safe and hospitable country.
Thank you Shaikh Maktoum.
Conrad
Milan
It is sad to know that he's gone but with all the things that he has done he will always be remembered.
Olga
Canada
One feels immensely sad at the passing of this great person. At the same time one has a feeling of awe and wonderment of his kindness and vision that paved the way for Dubai to become the rising star it is today!
Chris
Stockholm
I express my sympathy for the Emirates. Your country is dear to me as mine.
Jolanta
Lithuania
A great man has gone and I do hope that his spirit and shadow will last to support the path that he has set.
Paul
Johannesberg
His death is an unbearable loss to the country and the whole of mankind.
Sowmya
Dubai
A man of Great Vision passed away, leaving us in tears.
Rakesh
Ajman
We have learned a lot under his leadership. His death is a great loss to the Nation.
Sangeeta
Sharjah
My deep condolences to the people of Dubai for the loss of great leader.
Sloboda
Belgrade
I send my deepest condolences.
Hedy
The Netherlands
I?m immediately shocked by this tragic news and send my deep sympathy to the people of Dubai and in particular the ruling family. Dubai has lost a gentle and wise leader and I grieve alongside its people.
Jim
Bangkok
We not only lost a veteran leader but a great humanitarian.
Rajesh
Dubai
Known as a gentle and soft spoken human being he contributed significantly to help establish Dubai as a successful city and business destination.
Kamal Uppal
Dubai
Sheikh Maktoum?s contributions since the early years of his life have helped this country to reach its present level. His name will remain carved in the hearts of Dubai for ever.
Jossi
I was deeply saddened at the loss of a truly great man and visionary. As a regular visitor to Dubai I much admire the history and the part Shaikh Maktoum played in its growth.
Peter
Liverpool
This very sad news was a big shock for us. We will never forget him and thank him for everything he did! We hope that the progress in Dubai will continue under a new ruler
Nadja and Benjamin
Switzerland
The death of Shaikh Maktoum is not only a sad and sudden loss for Dubai and the UAE but for the world, we have all lost a great statesman, leader and visionary who worked tirelessly to bring his country to the forefront of the world. May I offer my deepest sympathies to all of his family and to the people of the UAE and say that we all share your grief and value the inheritance that Sheikh Maktoum left for everyone in his lifetime.
Ron Joyce
Isle of Wight
It's really a great loss for the nation. I still remember Dubai in the 1980's - an empty land. And now the growth of Dubai to one of the top cities in the world is definitely due to the dedication and the sincere effort of His Highness Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Linda
Dubai
Dubai has reached this height because of his vision.
Shiva
He will be always remembered as one of the UAE?s great leaders and an architect of Dubai?s growth and prosperity.
Anil
Dubai
He will stay alive forever, in million's of people's hearts.
Lizy
Under his leadership Dubai grew into one of the greatest cities in the world. Together with his brothers he revolutionized horse racing in the UK. His death will be felt around the world.
Julie
England
With deepest sympathy for the loss of a great leader.
Sabine
Germany
I have lived here all my life and even though I am not a national I feel a great sadness for a kind hearted leader who truly led the way.
Meneka
Dubai
His humble approach has left a deep example for other leaders to follow. The immense growth under his leadership in the last 15 years is unbelievable.
Abdul Kader
Dubai
May God let his soul rest in peace and bless him with his mercy
Haitham
Sharjah
The development of Dubai has been mind blowing and full kudos to Shaikh Maktoum for his deep rooted philosophy in development and promoting the rich Arab culture.
Sanjiv
Sharjah
The news came as a shock to the whole world. HH Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum will always be in my heart, and remembered for the wonderful work he did to make Dubai what it is today. May His soul rest in peace
Dr. Lentz-Rinke
Berlin
He was the leader who transformed Dubai from an emirate of sand to one lined with gold. May his soul rest in peace and all of his admirers receive God's strength as they mourn a great leader. This is a man who will be greatly missed.
Dawn McBride
Canada
As a national living as a student in the UK the news of His Highness Shaikh Maktoum's demise has come as a shock. May God rest his soul in peace.
Hassan
Nottingham
In Dubai, the old and the new blend in perfect harmony. Everybody is welcome with open arms regardless of creed, race or religion. I will forever cherish my stay here in Dubai.
Edwin
Dubai
Dubai has become home for many of us. Today is the day when we stop asking what Dubai can do for us, but what we can do for Dubai: let?s grieve and pray whatever our faiths and beliefs are, in the memory of a great man.
Nicolas
Dubai
From Paris, please accept our deepest condolences for the UAE, and family. The news came as a big shock to us this morning. Shaikh Maktoum was greatness and goodness together. He will always be in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace and may God grant strength to his family.
Amina and Rashid
Paris
Your gentle, revered, and respected leader will be remembered as an affectionate leader and adored by the masses. Safe journey. Your hospitable nation is a tribute to him.
Peter and Susan Keating
Australia
I chose to live in Dubai because of his vision and the guarantee of all rights and freedoms that I aspire to.
Abdullah
Dubai
His humble approach has left a deep memory and example to others leaders to follow.
Ameen
Kerala
We join the millions in praying for the departed soul and may he be blessed with everlasting Peace.
Venkataraman
Bangalore
The tremendous growth in Dubai, under his leadership, is very much evident today. He will always remain in our hearts. May God give all the support and courage to his family for such an unbearable loss.
Siddharth
Muscat
I live in the United Kingdom and the news of the passing of Shaikh Maktoum is sad. He managed to turn the UAE into the jewel in the crown of the Middle East. May our thoughts be with the people of his great kingdom.
Aman Gill
UK
A great leader who dedicated his life to building a nation and a united society.
Faizal
Abu Dhabi
God bless his soul as he was a great leader to all of us.
Samer
Dubai
He will be missed for his leadership and being the gentle person he was.
Ameen
Sharjah
He was a great visionary. It?s end of an era.
Bob Antony
UAE
Dubai has lost the man of the millennium, the father of Dubai. Those who bloom in the hearts of others never fade away.
Fakhruddin
Dubai
Accolades earned by this eminent personality will forever remain engraved in the heart of every man who has ever stood in Dubai: a city that has received international acclaim in such a short span of time.
Ian
UAE
The immense growth under his leadership for the last 15 years is unbelievable.
VA Jaisankar
UAE
"Try all of you to follow in his footsteps and don't be discouraged, for to be really in everything like him none of you, I am sure, will ever be. Try, therefore, to be like him in some points, and you will have acquired a great deal."
Vinod
Dubai
With my heartfelt condolences to the mourning Royal Family and Muslim brothers and sisters around the world.
Salai
UAE
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the sad and untimely demise of the respected leader.
Mohammad
Qatar
His great deeds will never be forgotten. We join the millions in paying our respectful tributes. I sincerely pray to almighty to rest his soul in eternal peace
Rajesh
Dubai
We have lost a father figure who has led us all towards modernization
Tina
Dubai
I send my deepest condolences for the family of the deceased, for Dubai and the UAE. The news came as a shock to the whole world. Shaikh Maktoum will always be in our hearts, and remembered for the wonderful work he did to make Dubai and the modern UAE.
Reinhard
Hamburg
Look at Dubai and you shall see a vision of a great leader. May his soul rest in peace
Amir
Pakistan
He has made us expats feel welcome and accepted. I wish to thank him for all the love and support he has provided us with until now.
Farzan
We will remember his cheerful face, great leadership and his contribution to this world. May Allah reward him with the best.
Abdul
Dubai
Under his wise leadership and strong dedication, Dubai has made gaint steps in the developments of various aspects of life
Girish
Abu Dhabi
Death is a sad reality, and his passing away has left a great void in our hearts, which is going to be very difficult to fill.
Mansoor
Abu Dhabi
His Highness Shaikh Maktoum was a Leader of the 21st Century.
Manoj
Abu Dhabi
The UAE has lost its one of the most dynamic and progressive leaders. May his soul rest in peace.
Vahid
Sharjah
May his soul rest in peace. He was not only a good leader but also a very good individual.
Lyme and Fanny
I still remember watching the late His Highness Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum driving off from Za?beel Palace after his father?s funeral. I remember the massive numbers of people that churned out, from all nationalities, to bid adieu to his father. I was just 9 years old then and I knew I saw a great man drive past. Now I look around me and Dubai is testament to his goodness and generosity.
Darrel
Dubai
In spite of residing in Abu Dhabi, every trip to Dubai is memorable for us. The city is well developed and modernised, with amazing entertainment. It is possible only with his contribution to the national development. May Allah bless hia soul with peace.
Mahesh
Abu Dhabi
The Indian community has lost a great friend. You shall always live in our hearts.
Prasanna
First Shaikh Zayed and now Shaikh Maktoum, it's truly heartbreaking for us to lose such great established rulers in a short span of time.
Shahid
Dubai
May Allah bless him with peace & Jannah (heaven)
Manzoor
It is really a sad moment even for foreigners. He could have been voted as the leader of the world for the 20th and 21st century very easily.
Theo
Cyprus
From Paris I'm sending my deepest condolences for the UAE, and family of the deceased. The news came as a shock to the whole world. Shaikh Maktoum will always be in our hearts, and remembered for the wonderful work he did to make Dubai, and the UAE what it is today. May His soul rest in peace.
Dr. Kerim Antoine Attara
Paris
Shaikh Maktoum has played a key role first in the formation of the UAE along with his father and has been the leader in developing the tiny Emirate into an excellent metropolis. The greatness of a man lies in his deeds and the development of Dubai is a testimony to his greatness. We join the millions in paying our respectful tributes. May his soul rest in peace.
Venkat
Doha, Qatar
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the Sad Demise of HH Shaikh Maktoum. May God give you the strength to bear the loss and May his soul rest in peace.
William
Bangalore, India
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the sad and untimely demise of our respected national leader. May his soul rest in peace.
Simon
Dubai
The loss of His Highness Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, can not be expressed in words. His humble approach has left a deep memory and example to others leaders to follow. The immense growth under his leader ship for the last 15 years is unbelievable. May his soul rest in peace.
H Roosevelt
Dubai
It has been very sad to hear an untimely deatth of HH Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. I sincerely pray to almighty to rest his soul in eternal peace. This is an irreparable loss to the UAE. The charismatic personality of this decade has left us alone. May god give enough strength to surpass this sad event. My heartfelt condolences to ruler family.
J. Mali
Dubai
Though not a National, I have lived in Dubai since 1969, and to me this country is home. I have seen this country grow every single day and all this is only due to the foresight of the Ruling Family. Today I grieve along with all others in this country. May his soul rest in peace and may God grant strength to his family.
Rosemond
Dubai
