Ain-Al-Yaqeen - January 6, 2006

		January 6, 2006

THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES AND THE CROWN PRINCE OFFER THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UAE ON THE DEMISE OF SHEIKH MAKTOUM BIN RASHED.
THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES LAY SHEIKH MAKTOUM TO REST AND SHEIKH MOHAMMED RESUMES HIS DUTY AS THE RULER OF DUBAI.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has sent a cable of condolences to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al -Nahayan, President of the United Arab Emirates, on the sad demise of the Vice President of the UAE Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who has also been the Prime Minister and the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai.

In his cable, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed profound sorrow at the news of the death of Sheikh Maktoum whom the Monarch described as a prominent leader the Gulf, Arab and Islamic nations will miss for ever.

On behalf of the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah offered his deepest sympathies for Maktoum's family, appealing to Allah almighty to bestow mercy on his soul.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has sent a cable of condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the sad demise of his brother the Vice President of the UAE Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who has also been the Prime Minister and the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai.

In his cable, King Abdullah expressed profound sorrow at the news of the death of Sheikh Maktoum and offered his deepest sympathies for Maktoum's family, appealing to Allah almighty to bestow mercy on his soul.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud made a telephone call to General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Governor of Dubai.

During the call, the Monarch expressed his condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and all the family of the deceased on the sad demise of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE's Vice President, Prime Minister and the Governor of the Emirate of Dubai, Allah bless his soul.

The King stressed that Sheikh Maktoum's death is a loss to the United Arab Emirates, Gulf and Arab region and Islamic nation, noting that he has been faithful to his religion, homeland and nation.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques commended the achievements of the deceased in Dubai Emirate and the United Arab Emirates.

Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, and Inspector General, has sent a cable of condolences to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al -Nahayan, President of the United Arab Emirates, on the sad demise of the Vice President of the UAE Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who has also been the Prime Minister and the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai.

In his cable, Crown Prince Sultan expressed profound sorrow at the news of the death of Sheikh Maktoum and offered his deepest sympathies for Maktoum's family, appealing to Allah almighty to bestow mercy on his soul.

Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, and Inspector General, has sent a cable of condolences to Sheikh Mohamemd bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the sad demise of the Vice President of the UAE Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who has also been the Prime Minister and the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai.

In his cable, Crown Prince Sultan expressed profound sorrow at the news of the death of Sheikh Maktoum and offered his deepest sympathies for Maktoum's family, appealing to Allah almighty to bestow mercy on his soul.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has sent a cable of congratulations to Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the occasion of his appointment as Dubai's Ruler.

In his cable, the King wished him success in his new mission and bring about prosperity and welfare as desired by his brother, the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

A similar cable of greetings was also sent to Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, died in Australia. The news of his death, sent a wave of shock and grief among the people of the UAE.

Funeral prayers for Sheikh Maktoum, who was 62, was held at the Zabeel Mosque after his body arrives from Australia this morning. He was laid to rest at the Umm Hurair Cemetery in Bur Dubai, where his father, Sheikh Rashid is buried.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Rulers, Deputy Rulers and Crown Princes of the Emirates, the Members of the Supreme Council and officials from Arab and Islamic countries attended prayers at Zabeel Mosque before the funeral procession went to the ceremony.

Sheikh Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Maktoum family accept condolences at Sheikh Mohammed's palace in Zabeel for three days.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, defense minister of UAE and crown prince of Dubai, has taken over as the ruler of Dubai. The late Sheikh Maktoum officially took over as the ruler of Dubai in 1990 after his father died following a long illness.

In his message of condolences the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz said "We were shocked on hearing the news of Sheikh Maktoum's death."

"The GCC as well as the Arab and Islamic world have lost one of its top leaders while Dubai has lost the man who was behind its economic and cultural progress," the Saudi Press Agency quoted King Abdullah as saying about the late ruler of Dubai.

UAE President Khalifa said in a statement, "The country has lost a historic leader who devoted all his life to establishing the UAE and enhancing its structure and the welfare of its people. He was an example of sincere commitment placing the country's interest over any other considerations. His constructive role in leading the UAE to success will be etched in the memory of the nation."

On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region, led a Saudi government delegation to extend condolences to the leaders and people of the United Arab Emirates on the sad demise of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

During his several-hour stay in Dubai, Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz conveyed the condolences of King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan, and the Saudi people on the demise of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan, President of the UAE; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Governor of Dubai Emirate; Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Heir Apparent of Abu-Dhabi; Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Industry of Dubai, other Sheikhs and sons of the deceased.

Later, Prince Salman left the UAE returning to Riyadh. He was seen off at Dubai International Airport by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Director of Lands and PropertiesDepartment; Sheikh Hashr Al Maktoum, Director of Information Department; Saudi Ambassador to the UAE Dr. Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz bin Mua'mmar; and other Embassy senior staff members.

Prince Salman arrived in Dubai earlier in the day. He was received at Dubai International Airport by UAE senior Sheikhs, Saudi ambassador and Saudi embassy staff members.

He was accompanied by Prince Khalid Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Rahman; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; other princes and senior protocol officials.

Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa expressed his condolences in Cairo, praising Sheikh Maktoum for his "defense of Arab and Islamic causes."

A 40-day official mourning has been announced by the government of the UAE during which flags will fly at half-staff. Ministries, government offices, institutions and other departments will remain closed for seven days.

The Ministry of Education has put off the scheduled private school examinations to Jan. 14 when schools will reopen.

Private sector companies and corporations across the country will remain closed for three days as a mark of respect for the late leader and to mourn his demise, according to an official circular issued by Minister of Labor Abdulla Al-Kaabi.

The globally famed Dubai Shopping Festival extravaganza that attracts millions of visitors from the world over scheduled to open yesterday evening with a dazzling display of fireworks, dances and laser show was cancelled. Stock markets also shut down on hearing the news.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who passed away early last Wednesday while 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 first hotel 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 in the Arabian Gulf by the end of 1971 and the Rulers 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 discussion took 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 Sheikh Zayed and other senior officials. Over the six week period, he was able to 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 father travelled to a desert point in Abu Dhabi emirate near the Dubai border to take part in one of the major events that preceded the declaration of the federation.

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

In a special ceremony held in Dubai on 2nd December 1971, the Rulers of the Emirates signed an accord establishing the State of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Zayed was elected as President and Sheikh Rashid as 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 stepped down 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 allow Sheikh Maktoum to be at the helm of the emirate.

Sheikh Maktoum has accorded considerable attention to all aspects of development, and to education and legislation in particular. He served in many capacities during the 1980s and won a wide reputation as a man deeply devoted to charitable activities. His generous hands have turned him into a legend not only in Dubai and the UAE but also in many parts of the Third World.

In November 1990, following the death of Sheikh Rashid, Sheikh Maktoum became UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. His return to the premiership was associated with one of the most important development projects in UAE history, the adoption of a national programme for constructing thousands 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 the standards of living of citizens in all parts of the UAE, including the remotest areas.

Within Dubai, his shrewd leadership led to great achievements as shown in the many infrastructural and utility projects completed during the 1980s and 1990s.

The late Sheikh Maktoum accorded paramount attention to the career development of UAE citizens. "The future of the UAE largely depends on the success of the UAE government in realising the objectives for which the 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 introducing Arabs to international horse-racing and to the establishment of stables for the best breeds. He was the most successful horse owner in Europe in 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 mastermind of the Dubai World Cup, an equestrian event that has acquired the world's attention with the quality of participating horses and its lucrative prizes.

He also led Godolphin to new challenges when he took them to compete in the US sand racetracks. Through his personal interest in horses, Sheikh Maktoum 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 cabinet up until his untimely death, he worked relentlessly for consolidating the union. Following the death of his father, Sheikh Rashid, he successfully faced the formidable challenges and provided much support to the late Sheikh Zayed in building the Nation.

The Dubai Ruler's Court announced the death of. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who passed away in the early morning of yesterday.

"With the heart of a true believer, patience and deep grief, the Dubai Ruler's Court mourns the death of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who passed away in the early morning of today," a statement from the Dubai Ruler's Court said.

President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call from Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, during which he expressed his condolences on the death of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Khalifa also received a cable of condolences from President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen on the sad demise of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Khalifa received a cable of condolences from Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on the death of Sheikh Maktoum. Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz has also sent a cable of condolences to Sheikh Khalifa on the death of Sheikh Maktoum. Aziz sent a similar cable to Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, mourns the death of Sheikh Maktoum. In a statement, Sheikh Hamad said, "We had received the news of Sheikh Maktoum's death with deep sadness. We pray that God may rest his soul in peace and place him in paradise and that his family and the people of the UAE find patience and solace to bear the loss."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi has expressed sadness at the death of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In a statement, Asefi offered condolences to the UAE government and its people on the sad demise of Sheikh Maktoum. He also voiced the sympathy of the Iranian people and government with the UAE government and people.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel mourned the death of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In a statement, Merkel said Germany "lost a friend who had been keen to strengthen UAE-German relations." Merkel also announced that a German delegation will take part in Sheikh Maktoum's funeral.

Former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder also expressed sorrow at the passing away of Sheikh Maktoum, saying that the late Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was instrumental in the political and economic development of the UAE.

With his sudden demise, the Arab and Islamic world have lost a trusted and sincere friend, said Schroeder. Helmut Schafer, Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs, also described the passing of Sheikh Maktoum as a "loss to the Arab world and Europe because Sheikh Maktoum was widely respected in the Middle East and the Gulf region."

India and Pakistan sent high level delegations to pay their respects to Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Indian Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat accompanied by E. Ahmad the Indian minister of state for foreign affairs offered their condolences in Dubai.

In Islamabad, government officials said Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz paid his respects. Afghanistan's Vice President Mohammad Karim Khalili also arrived, accompanied by Haider Raza, Deputy Foreign Minister.

Abdul Qadir bin Saleh, Speaker of Algeria's Umma Council, arrived at the head of a delegation. Mohammad Al Ghanoushi, the Tunisian First Minister, attended the funeral.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Rulers, Deputy Rulers and Crown Princes of the Emirates, the Members of the Supreme Council and officials from Arab and Islamic countries attended prayers at Zabeel Mosque before the funeral procession went to the ceremony.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum have received a number of cables of condolences on the death of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

They received cables from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia and from Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz; Syria's President Bashar Al Assad; King Abdullah II of Jordan; the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah, Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Al Sabah and Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber; Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed of Oman; Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani; Tunisia's Prime Minister Zine Al Abidine Ben Ali; Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika; Lebanon's President Emile Lahoud and Prime Minister Fouad Siniora; Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz; Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh and Prime Minister Abdul Qadir Ba Jamal; and Palestine's Prime Minister Ahmed Qorei and Premier Mahmoud Abbas.

The following officials also sent cables of condolences: Libya's President Muammar Al Gaddafi and Under Secretary Shukri Al Ghanim; Eritrea's President Isaias Afewerki; Swiss Federal Council President Moritz Leuenberger; Azerbaijan's President Ilkham Aliyev; Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov; Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo; Bangladesh's Prime Minister Prime Minister Khaleda Zia; Iraq's Vice President Ghazi Al Yawr; Norway's Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg; Prince Fahd Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Tabuk Region in Saudi Arabia; Dr. Mohammed Al Tuwaijri of the Arab Organisation for Administrative Development; Iraq's Prime Minister Iyad Allawi; United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Dr. Ali Abdussalam Treki, Secretary of the African Union.