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Official British documents from government bodies in London, dating back to the 1960s through the 1980s, highlight the exceptional qualities of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of he UAE and Ruler of Dubai. From a young age, he was recognised as a leader with remarkable vision and a strong sense of responsibility. These traits earned him the unwavering trust of his late father, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, as well as the respect of prominent global figures.
The records further reveal that Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may he rest in peace, regarded his son as a worthy successor to his legacy. Even at just sixteen, Sheikh Mohammed’s capabilities inspired confidence in his father, who believed in his readiness to assume responsibility and guide the future.
Reports from the British Ministry of Defence in 1968 identified Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the most promising candidate to establish the Dubai Defence Force, which later became the foundation of the UAE Armed Forces. This recognition came despite his relatively young age at the time.
In the early 1970s, official British documents referred to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid as a “natural leader,” emphasising that his appointment as Minister of Defence in 1971 marked a significant step forward for both the UAE and the broader region. His determination and strong leadership vision were noted as instrumental traits, and in December that year, he earned the distinction of becoming the youngest Minister of Defence in the world.
These records also underscored his pivotal role in advancing the aviation sector. Under his direction, plans for the development of Dubai Airport gained momentum. His ambitious agenda drove transformative progress, resulting in a major leap forward for this critical industry.
A document released by the office of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1981 underscored the impressive accomplishments at Dubai Airport. It also raised questions about how His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum managed to achieve such progress, especially when considering the resources and expertise available to the British government and Heathrow Airport.
These global acknowledgments reaffirm that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has consistently stood out as an extraordinary leader from the outset, reflecting the foresight and determination of someone destined to shape the future.
