His Highness Shaikh Hamdan's
formal schooling began in Dubai . He attended Al Madrasah
Al-Ahlia, where his studies centered around mathematics,
English, basic sciences, Arabic and Islamic studies. He
went on to complete his further studies at the Bell School
of Languages in Cambridge between 1967 and 1968. This time
in Britain was one of the few periods in His Highness Shaikh
Hamdan's life when he was able to live an ordinary life,
away from his responsibilities and position. It was during
his British sojourn that the seeds were sown for His Highness
Shaikh Hamdan's future passion for thoroughbred racing,
one of his favourite recreations today. Him and his younger
brother Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, The current
Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai both share a Passion
for horses.
A
Leader with Infinite Vision
Minister For Finance
The years following federation were a period of extraordinary
development for the people of the UAE. While Dubai and Abu
Dhabi had embarked upon modernization there was still much
to be done; many areas in the remaining five emirates needed
electricity, roads, housing, clean water supplies and more.
As Minister of Finance and Industry, His Highness Shaikh
Hamdan oversaw such work, while he was also charged with
developing the economy and an industrial base, almost from
scratch. The UAE's rulers understood that the country could
not afford to isolate its efforts in the petroleum sector,
despite the fact that in 1971 almost all federal government
revenues were derived from this source.
His Highness Shaikh Hamdan strove to create a nation attractive
to investors and with an administrative base free, as far
as possible, from red tape.
In his role as a Minister for Finance & Industry for
the United Arab Emirates, and as the guardian of the UAE's
economy he is implemented polices that have provided the
foundation for a strong economy for the Federation. In December
2001, the United Arab Emirates marked the 30th anniversary
of its creation. Over the three decades since he played
a role in the creation of the federation, under the auspices
of his ministry, the economy has diversified and grown to
offer opportunities to all the country's citizens and a
large expatriate workforce. Today, less than half the UAE's
Gross National Product is oil related and even during periods
of global recession, the emirates has consistently recorded
growth levels well above the international average.
Deputy
Ruler of Dubai
In Dubai , Shaikh Rashid also placed his second son in charge
of an array of key governmental industrial enterprises,
including the Dubai Aluminium Company, Dubai Gas Company
and Dubai Cable Company, among others. All went on to create
tens of thousands of jobs and generate profits that were
in turn ploughed back into developing Dubai . As Head of
Dubai Municipality, His Highness Shaikh Hamdan remains responsible
for all civic growth and for administering private development
in a city that boasts around half a million inhabitants
and is widely recognized for its modern outlook and development .Under
his leadership as the Deputy Ruler, Dubai has become the
emirate which is shaping up for the future with a big reputation
as a place to do business, a regional aviation and banking
hub and one of the world's major tourist destinations.
International
Leader
Promoting education,
and especially the concept of life-long learning, in his
own country and in others around the globe, remains a cause
close to his heart. Although His Highness Shaikh Hamdan
insists that such matters remain low key, he is a philanthropist
and backs many charitable causes, supporting the maintenance
of orphanages, schools and hospitals in poor countries among
other things.
His Highness Shaikh Hamdan is a great believer in human
investment to produce future scholars. As a reflection of
his love and commitment to the promotion of scholarly activities,
learning and education, His Highness Shaikh Hamdan has invited
a delegation from the Islamic Research Academy (ISRA) on
3 April 1999 to discuss the launch of a serious effort and
a great human investment in preparing an academic team of
young scholars as specialists in Islamic jerusalem Studies.
This resulted in the launch of generous scholarships to
reward distinguished young scholars in Islamic jerusalem
Studies. His Highness Shaikh Hamdan is also the benefactor
and the Patron of the "Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum
Award for Medical Excellence an award instituted to reward
excellence in the field of medical sciences with its comprehensive,
dynamic and exciting features to benefit competing researchers,
scientists & medical institutions.
Indeed, the clearest and the latest example of his devotion
to educational activities, even outside Dubai , is the establishment
of Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies in
Dundee .
His Highness Shaikh Hamdan has received numerous honours
and awards for his achievements as benefactor of educational
and other good causes.
