January 2006
Dubai
http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/english/dubai/dubai_almaktoum.asp
Rulers of Dubai
Maktoum bin Buti
(1833-1852)Saeed bin Buti
(1852-1859)Hasher bin Maktoum
(1859-1886)Rashid bin Maktoum
(1886-1894)Maktoum bin Hasher
(1894-1906)Buti bin Suhail
(1906-1912)Saeed bin Maktoum
(1912-1958)
Rashid bin Saeed
(1958-1990)Maktoum bin Rashid
(1990-present)The Al Maktoum family
descends from the Al Bu Falasah section of the Bani Yas, a highly respected and authoritative tribal federation that was the dominant power throughout most of what is now the UAE.Sheikh Maktoum's brother, Sheikh Saeed bin Buti Al Maktoum, succeeded
him. He wanted to follow his brother's example of making Dubai a safe haven for all
people. To this end, he took the wise decision to form alliances with the Sheikhs of Abu
Dhabi and Umm Al Qaiwain, consolidating his ability to face any future disputes.
Upon the death of Sheikh Saeed, in 1859, Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum took over
the leadership of Dubai. He proved himself to be a brave leader with a strong sense of
justice, and was firmly committed to the truces signed by Dubai with the British and the
other Trucial Sheikhdoms.
SHEIKH SAEED
Photograph by Ronald Codrai © Justin Codrai
When Sheikh Hasher passed away, the elders of the tribe elected Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum as their leader. In 1892, he formed an alliance, through marriage, with the Al Bu Shamis tribe, who were based in Buraimi, a strategically important area at that time,
as it was one of the few fertile oases in the country. In the same year, however, he fell ill, eventually dying in 1894.Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher then took power.
His economic policy is described in British government papers as "liberal and enlightened"(1.)
He abolished commercial taxes and Dubai's port saw a rapid increase in development and business during his reign. Dubai became a regular stopping point for steamers and established itself as the principal commercial port on the coast.
Sheikh Maktoum died in 1906. As his sons were too young to take power, he was succeeded by his cousin, Sheikh Buti bin Suhail. Sheikh Buti was already elderly by the time he became Ruler, and his reign lasted only 6 years until his death in 1912, when he was succeeded by Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.
1 - Records of Dubai 1761-1960.
Volume 2, Archive Editions, 1994, pg. 16
Al Maktoum - Sheikh Saeed - Sheikh Rashid - Sheikh Maktoum
Old Dubai - Dubai Under Sheikh Rashid - Present-Day Dubai
Dubai Al Maktoum family
January 2, 2006