Maktoum

The Maktoum (Arab. آل مكتوم) is the ruling royal family of Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. They are a branch of the Bani Yas tribal confederation and have governed Dubai since the 19th century, establishing the emirate’s ruling line and shaping its early political structure.

The dynasty has maintained sovereignty over Dubai through successive generations. The current head is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has been the ruler of Dubai since 2006 and also serves as the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai’s government operates within the UAE’s federal framework, with the Maktoum family holding executive authority in the emirate.

Notable members include Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ruler from 1958 to 1990, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler from 1990 to 2006. The rulers of the Maktoum family have guided extensive development in Dubai, overseeing large-scale infrastructure, urban planning, and international trade initiatives that contributed to Dubai’s emergence as a global commercial and tourism hub.

The Maktoum family is prominent in Gulf diplomacy and business, with members involved in cultural, philanthropic, and sporting activities. Their legacy is closely tied to Dubai’s modernization and its status as a global city, while the emirate remains an integral part of the United Arab Emirates.