Misplaced Pages

#731268

58-664: Dubai Plus was launched by Ali Ibrahim, Deputy Director General of DED; Mohammad Bin Markhan AlKetbi, managing director of National Plus; Bhairav Trivedi, CEO of Network International, and Samer Soliman, Executive Vice President - Network International, during the ‘Cards & Payments Middle East 2015’ exhibition, which opened on 12 May 2015. Dubai Plus is designed to improve the Dubai Happiness Index, launched by Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum . Dubai Plus program

116-542: A decree banning the imprisonment of journalists following an incident in which local journalists were accused of libel and sentenced to jail terms. The Palm Islands were developed by Nakheel Properties , which Mohammed founded. The Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives is a charitable foundation which consolidates the work of some 33 charitable foundations, entities and initiatives which, together, implement more than 1,400 development programs, including

174-550: A digital medium as opposed to previously used print advertising. Dubai Plus won an award for being one of the first city privilege cards. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ( Arabic : محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم , romanized :  Muḥammad bin Rāšid Āl Maktūm ; born 15 July 1949) is an Emirati politician and royal who is the current ruler of Dubai , and serves as

232-675: A major split with leading trainer Henry Cecil after a disagreement over racing a horse Mohammed insisted was injured. Cecil took the argument public and Mohammed removed all his horses from Cecil's stable. Godolphin 's first win, Balanchine taking the Oaks at Epsom Downs , England, in 1994, was to mark the beginning of a winning streak with horses such as Lammtarra , Daylami , Fantastic Light , Street Cry , Sulamani , Dubawi , and Ramonti among them. Dubai Millennium , said to be Mohammed's favourite, won nine of his ten starts before succumbing to injury followed by grass sickness in 2001. In 1996,

290-460: A modern, sustainable and structured manner with guaranteed integrity, athlete welfare, equal opportunity and a fair and ethical partnership with the horse. By 2024 FEI World Cup Finals (show jumping and dressage) : Source: The first Olympics held under its authority were in 1924. Jumping, Dressage and Eventing have been a part of the Olympics since 1912. Para-Equestrian Dressage has been part of

348-601: A number of assets including logistics company, DP World , property developer Nakheel Properties , and investment company Istithmar World . With more than 50,000 employees in over 100 cities around the globe, the Group has real estate, logistics and other business investments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. The company is owned by the government of Dubai . Sheikh Mohammed's personal corporate portfolio

406-674: A pilot. On Mohammed's return from military training to Dubai, his father appointed him as the head of the Dubai Police Force and the Dubai Defence Force (which later became a part of the Union Defence Force ) when he was only 20 years old. In January 1968, Mohammed was present when his father and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan first met in the desert between Dubai and Abu Dhabi at Argoub El Sedira to agree to

464-477: A public vote, as the name would "send a message of optimism to millions of young Arabs," since "Arab civilisation once played a great role in contributing to human knowledge, and [would] play that role again." Mohammed announced that the Hope mission had succeeded at orbit insertion on 9 February 2021, and shared the first picture the probe had captured days later. Hope became the first Arab mission to space, as well as

522-462: A spirit of tolerance across the community, building a cohesive society, strengthening the UAE's standing and position as a model of tolerance, as well as renouncing extremism and all forms of discrimination among people on the basis of religion, sex, race, color or language, in addition to honoring all entities and institutions contributing to the promotion of tolerance and open, interfaith dialogue. Mohammed

580-502: A technology hub and free trade zone. Offering companies long leases, full ownership, and fast access to government services, DIC grew from its first tenants in October 2000, to a current zone employing about 15,000 people. In November 2000, it was joined by Dubai Media City , a content and media production-free zone, which is co-located with DIC. The launch of DIC came with assurances from Mohammed regarding media freedoms. In 2007, he issued

638-493: Is a smart card with a security feature for card holders. The card holders can use the card on all Network International enabled point of sale (POS) terminals in Dubai, can make purchases using ITS electronic wallet , can pay for RTA ( Dubai Roads and Transport Authority ) services and get promotions from registered merchants. The card aims to reduce the carbon footprint of retail transactions, as consumers are being reached through

SECTION 10

#1732873120732

696-449: Is a major figure in international thoroughbred horse racing and breeding . He owns Darley Stud , the biggest horse breeding operation in the world with farms in the United States, Ireland, England, and Australia. In 1985 he bought the Irish thoroughbred Park Appeal for an undisclosed sum at the end of her second season. She went on to produce at least nine winners from twelve foals and

754-566: Is prohibited. Scholars characterize the UAE as authoritarian. According to human rights organizations, there are systematic human rights violations , including the torture and forced disappearance of government critics. There is a blurred line between the assets of the state of Dubai and those of the Al Maktoum ruling family. Mohammed issued a law in 2006 to form the Dubai Establishment for Women Development, renamed by law in 2009 as

812-481: Is the Dubai Holding Group, which is involved in a variety of investments. Dubai Holding benefits from its association with the ruling family of Dubai , and is given free land by the Dubai government. Mohammed was responsible for the launch of Emirates Airline . Through the 1970s, as well as his role as head of Dubai Defence Force and UAE Minister of Defence, Mohammed oversaw Dubai's energy resources and

870-872: Is the ancestor of many successful horses. Mohammed had raced horses as a child (he would share his breakfast with his horse on the way to school) but he attended his first formal race at Newmarket in 1967 with his brother Hamdan, watching Royal Palace win the 2,000 guineas . Becoming an owner in his own right, ten years later he won his first race with Hatta at Brighton. And five years after that, Mohammed and Hamdan had three studs and 100 horses under training. In late 1981, Mohammed purchased Gainsborough Stud at Woolton Hill , near Newbury , Berkshire, United Kingdom. He owns Ballysheehan Stud in County Tipperary, Ireland; as well as Gainsborough Farm Inc. in Versailles, Kentucky , United States. His racing operations include

928-553: The 2006 Preakness Stakes with Bernardini in the US. In 2008, he bought the Woodlands Stud empire for more than $ 460 million. The same year, he nearly bought out Charlton Athletic but he later turned down. At the age of 63, Mohammed won the 2012 World Endurance Championship over a 160 km course. Both his thoroughbreds and endurance horses have failed drug tests – although his trainers (including Mahmood Al Zarooni ) have accepted

986-538: The 2018 Melbourne Cup . An early 2000s British police investigation of allegations, made by a former riding instructor about the attempted escape of Mohammed's daughter Latifa (born 1985) from her family estate in England and the subsequent kidnapping on a street in Cambridge of Latifa's sister Shamsa in 2001, was inconclusive. On 11 March 2018, a video was released of Sheikha Latifa after her failed attempt to flee

1044-690: The Dubai Women's Establishment . He also formed the UAE Gender Balance Council in 2015. On 19 October 2020, Mohammed led the UAE Council of Ministers meeting that ratified a peace agreement with Israel , normalizing diplomatic relationships between the countries. The Council, again headed by Mohammed, approved the decision to found an Emirati embassy in Tel Aviv in January, and Mohammed swore in

1102-760: The Dubai World Cup was inaugurated as the world's richest horserace, drawing the legendary American dirt track horse Cigar to race in Dubai. Today, held at the Meydan Racecourse , the race meeting carries a prize of $ 27 million. In the UK, Mohammed's horses have won Group One races including several of the British Classic Races . His horses have also won the Irish Derby Stakes , the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and,

1160-897: The Essalaam Mosque in Rotterdam , the Netherlands. In June 2017, two new initiatives were added to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives , within the "Empowering Communities" sector, namely the International Institute for Tolerance and the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for Tolerance. In this respect, Sheikh Mohammed issued Law No. (9) of 2017 on the Establishment of the International Institute for Tolerance and Decree No. (23) of 2017 on

1218-673: The House of Al-Falasi , of which Mohammed is the tribal leader. His mother was Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, daughter of former ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan . He grew up in a house without electricity. A hundred people or more lived there, including guards and maids. From the age of four, Mohammed was privately tutored in Arabic and Islamic Studies . In 1955, he began formal education at Al Ahmedia School. At

SECTION 20

#1732873120732

1276-664: The Jumeirah Beach Hotel , the first property managed by Jumeirah , the hotel management company launched by Mohammed in 1997 and headed by ex-Trust House Forte executive Gerald Lawless. While work began on both hotels at the same time, the island to house the Burj Al Arab required three years to build before construction began above ground. Jumeirah 's international expansion, driven after it became part of Dubai Holding in 2004, encompasses 22 hotels in ten countries. On 29 October 1999, Mohammed announced Dubai Internet City ,

1334-598: The Maktoum family -owned Godolphin stable and the owner of Darley , a thoroughbred breeding operation, operational in six countries. In 2012, he rode the horse Madji Du Pont 160 km to take the FEI World Endurance Championship. Sheikh Mohammed is the third of four sons of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum , ruler of Dubai . The Al Maktoum family is Dubai 's ruling family and descendants of

1392-631: The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). The Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (previously the Dubai School of Government) is an academic and research institution in the area of public policy and administration. Mohammed made a grant of 600 houses to Gaza following the 2008–2009 Gaza war . In 2000, Mohammed donated €4 million for the construction of

1450-643: The ruler of Dubai on 4 January 2006, upon the death of his brother Maktoum. The following day, the Federal National Council selected him as the new vice president of the UAE . On 11 February, the Council approved President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan 's nomination of Sheikh Mohammed for prime minister. Mohammed is the absolute monarch of Dubai. The government is described as autocratic , as there are no democratic institutions, and internal dissent

1508-403: The vice president and prime minister of the UAE . Mohammed succeeded his brother Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum as UAE vice president, UAE prime minister, and ruler of Dubai following the latter's death in 2006. A billionaire, Mohammed generates most of his income from real estate and is described as "one of the world's most prominent real estate developers". There is a blurred line between

1566-469: The BBC shows Latifa saying she has been "a hostage" for over a year "with no access to medical help" in " solitary confinement " without access to medical or legal help in a "villa jail" with windows and doors barred shut, and guarded by police. The governments of Dubai and the UAE have not responded to requests for comment from the BBC. Despite her family's insistence that she has been enjoying time with them at home

1624-594: The Desert to the Stars" was launched from the International Space Station (ISS) through Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi . Mohammed has overseen the creation and growth of a number of businesses and economic assets of Dubai, with a number held by two companies under his ownership, Dubai World and Dubai Holding . According to the laws of Dubai, the ruling family owns all undeveloped land in Dubai, which has allowed

1682-684: The FEI disciplines and age categories. Events include: The FEI was formed in 1921 with the joining of the national organizations of Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, Sweden and the United States of America . Today, there are 136 National Equestrian Federations affiliated with the FEI. On March 2, 2022, in the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine , the FEI banned Russian and Belarusian athletes, horses, and officials from FEI events, and subsequently an FEI Tribunal panel dismissed an appeal by Russia's Federation of Equestrian Sports challenging

1740-416: The FEI global disciplines. The FEI World Cup is an indoor series and takes place throughout the world with qualifying leagues leading to a final in each of the disciplines. The FEI World Cup series began with show jumping in 1978 and has since been extended to the disciplines of dressage, driving, and vaulting. Main events include: Source: FEI World, Continental and Regional Championships are held in all

1798-532: The Formation of a Board of Trustees and Decree No. (28) of 2017 on the Appointment of a Managing Director for the International Institute for Tolerance. In this respect, Law No. (9) of 2017 includes the launch of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for Tolerance, administered in accordance with the provisions and statute of said Law. Hence, the establishment of the International Institute for Tolerance aims at instilling

Dubai Plus - Misplaced Pages Continue

1856-464: The Jordanian princess Haya bint Hussein . Allegedly, Shamsa and Latifa were forcibly medicated while held in Dubai under Mohammed's orders since 2000 and 2018, respectively. On 16 February 2021, BBC 's Panorama broadcast a documentary featuring Latifa's video messages that she made secretly under enforced detention in Dubai on her father's orders. Mohammed is an equestrian and is the founder of

1914-787: The Paralympic games since 1996. Jumping has been part of the Youth Olympic Games since its creation in Singapore in 2010. The FEI has organized the FEI World Equestrian Games every four years since 1990. The idea of the World Equestrian Games (WEG) came into being in the mid-1980s and was strongly supported by HRH Prince Philip , who was then FEI President. The WEG encompasses the World Championship titles in all

1972-491: The UAE and subsequent disappearance, in which she claimed she was fleeing from her family, made allegations of abuse, and said her father was responsible for a number of murders, including the murder of his deceased older brother's wife. The escape attempt was the focus of a documentary by Australian broadcaster Nine News as well as BBC Newsnight investigation. In December 2018, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson , after meeting Latifa in

2030-500: The action, leading to the accession of his brother Sultan as ruler of Sharjah. Mohammed delivered Saqr to UAE president Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who put Saqr under house arrest in Al Ain . In 1973, Mohammed was involved in protracted negotiations with the hijackers of JAL 404 , led by Japanese Red Army member Osamu Maruouka, which landed in Dubai after being hijacked as it departed Schiphol Airport . Although unsuccessful in obtaining

2088-729: The age of 10, he moved to Al Shaab School, and two years later, attended Dubai Secondary School. In 1966, with his cousin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum , he attended the Bell Educational Trust 's English Language School in the United Kingdom. He subsequently studied at the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot , passing out with the sword of honour as the top Commonwealth student. He also travelled to Italy to train as

2146-462: The assets of the government of Dubai and those of the ruling Al Maktoum family . Land which is owned by him is managed as an asset of the state. He oversaw the growth of Dubai into a global city , as well as the launch of a number of government-owned enterprises including Emirates Airline , DP World , and the Jumeirah Group . Some of these are held by Dubai Holding . Mohammed has overseen

2204-582: The blame. His endurance racing stable has also been involved in other scandals, including both fatal injuries, and ringers. In 2015, the FEI suspended the United Arab Emirates following a series of scandals. In the 15th Asian Games in 2006 , the sheikh's eldest son, Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum , took the individual gold in endurance riding . Mohammed's sons Rashid, Ahmed, Majid, and Hamdan took

2262-624: The development of certain projects in Dubai , such as the Palm Islands and the Burj Al Arab hotel, as well as Burj Khalifa , the tallest building in the world as of 2024. Mohammed is the absolute ruler of Dubai and the prime minister of the UAE, a position appointed by the president . The government is autocratic . On 5 March 2020, a British court ruled that on the balance of probabilities , Mohammed had abducted two of his daughters, Shamsa and Latifa , and had threatened his former wife,

2320-588: The exiled former ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah , Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi , led an insurrectionist coup against his successor, Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi . Following a spirited firefight between the Union Defence Force and Sheikh Saqr's forces – mostly Egyptian mercenaries who had entered the UAE through Ras Al Khaimah – Mohammed accepted Saqr's surrender. Sheikh Khalid had been killed in

2378-422: The family to prosper from real estate development. During Mohammed's rule, Dubai has seen enormous population growth, causing a real estate boom in Dubai. The boom was in part facilitated by Sheikh Mohammed's 2002 decree that foreigners would be allowed to purchase property in Dubai. Mohammed established Dubai World by decree, leading to the company's launch on 2 July 2006, as a holding company consolidating

Dubai Plus - Misplaced Pages Continue

2436-518: The first Emirati ambassador to Israel, Mahmoud Al Khajah, a month later. Mohammed founded the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in 2015, which announced it would be launching a spacecraft to Mars to study the planet’s atmosphere; He stated that the planet was chosen for its "epic challenge," saying it would benefit the Emirati economy . He announced that the mission would be called Hope after

2494-556: The first of three missions in July 2020—the others from the United States and China–to arrive at Mars. In 2020, Mohammed announced a second mission, this one to the moon. The Emirates Lunar Mission used a lunar rover named Rashid , reportedly built entirely in the UAE. It was launched on 11 December 2022 on a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. In a historic first, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s book titled "The Journey From

2552-552: The formation of a union of emirates following British notification of intent to withdraw from the Trucial States . When the new country of the United Arab Emirates was founded on 2 December 1971, Mohammed became its first minister of defence at the age of 22. A period of uncertainty and instability followed the Union of the United Arab Emirates, including skirmishes between tribes over property, straddling new borders. On 24 January 1972,

2610-463: The largest aeroplane order in history, with $ 99 billion combined orders with Airbus for its A380 and Boeing for its 777X . The Burj Al Arab was inaugurated in December 1999. The hotel, constructed from a design by WS Atkins in response to a brief from Mohammed to create "a truly iconic" building, styles itself as "the world's most luxurious hotel". It was constructed on an island offshore from

2668-424: The new company. A further $ 75 million in facilities and materials was provided, but Emirates has always maintained that it has received no further subsidies throughout the company's meteoric growth to become one of the world's leading airlines. In 1989, Mohammed inaugurated the first Dubai Airshow . In 2013, the exhibition had grown to over 1,000 exhibiting companies, and was the venue for Emirates ' placement of

2726-425: The other appointed their brother Hamdan as the deputy ruler of Dubai. Mohammed created the Dubai Shopping Festival in late 1995, an annual event that has become a significant contributor to the economy of the UAE . In 2001, Mohammed ordered the arrest of Obaid Saqr bin-Busit, the head of Dubai Customs and the chairman of the World Customs Association. After roughly a decade of de facto rule, Mohammed became

2784-428: The ownership of Darley Stables and he is the leading partner in his family's Godolphin Stables . Mohammed hosts the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse . By 1992, Mohammed had started 'wintering' his horses in Dubai, frequently against the advice of trainers and pundits in the UK. The results were a string of high-profile wins, and by 1994 he founded Godolphin . In 1995, his hands-on approach to racing resulted in

2842-439: The past two years, Latifa says in the series of videos released by her advocates that she is "a hostage" and fears for her life. "Every day, I'm worried about my safety in my life. I don't really know if I'm going to survive this situation." "The police threaten me that they would take me outside and shoot me if I didn't cooperate with them," she said. "They also threatened me that I would be in prison my whole life and I'll never see

2900-453: The presence of other family members, said that Latifa was now in the care of her family. Her statement was criticised by human rights groups, who said that Robinson would not have been able to tell in the meeting whether Latifa truly had psychological issues. A spokeswoman for "The Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice" confirmed that Robinson was approached by Latifa's stepmother Princess Haya bint Hussein , an old friend of Robinson's, and

2958-543: The release of the hostages (they were finally freed, and the 747 blown up, in Libya), he was more successful in a later negotiation with the three hijackers of KLM 861 , who released the balance of their hostages and handed over the plane in return for safe passage. In 1977, Mohammed oversaw the integration of Dubai's military forces with those of the other emirates . On 3 January 1995, Mohammed's brother Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum , ruler of Dubai , signed two decrees. One decree appointed Mohammed as crown prince and

SECTION 50

#1732873120732

3016-545: The six disciplines under its jurisdiction. Besides regulation, overseeing all international competitions and Championships, overseeing and cooperating with all affiliated national federations, overseeing and educating officials and registering riders and horses are core tasks of the FEI. As an umbrella equestrian organisation, the FEI focuses on promoting equestrian sport, attracting and cooperating with sponsors, media and fans, and representing equestrian sport on various online and offline channels. An FEI code of conduct protects

3074-406: The sun again." International Federation for Equestrian Sports The International Federation for Equestrian Sports ( French : Fédération Équestre Internationale , FEI ) is the international governing body of equestrian sports. FEI was established in 1921 and its headquarters are in Lausanne , Switzerland. The FEI is responsible for drafting and enforcing regulations within

3132-509: The team gold in endurance riding, his niece Latifa took a bronze in show jumping , and his daughter Maitha led the UAE team in taekwondo . In 2013, when the UAE national football team won the Gulf Cup , Mohammed gave the team 50 million dirhams ($ 13.7 million). His wife awarded the team a further 25 million dirhams ($ 6.8 million), while their grandsons contributed 12 million dirhams ($ 3.3 million). Godolphin's Cross Counter , ridden by Kerrin McEvoy and trained by Charlie Appleby won

3190-469: The welfare of the horses from physical abuse or doping. On 2 March 2022, in the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine , the FEI banned Russian and Belarusian athletes, horses, and officials from FEI events, and subsequently an FEI Tribunal panel dismissed an appeal by Russia's Federation of Equestrian Sports challenging the ban. The FEI recognizes six disciplines under global governance in both regular and para-equestrianism competition: Reining

3248-510: Was an FEI discipline from 2000 until 2021. The following two disciplines are under regional governance: The FEI does not govern or provide rules for horse racing ( International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)) or polo , but in the latter case, it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federation of International Polo (FIP). To grow the unique and mutually beneficial bond between horse and human in sport globally. To drive and develop equestrian sport globally in

3306-555: Was in charge of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority . It was in this latter role, in March 1985, that he founded Emirates Airline , tasking then-head of Dnata , Maurice Flanagan , with launching a new airline to be called Emirates after a dispute with Gulf Air over Dubai's ' Open Skies ' policy. The launch budget of the airline was $ 10 million (the amount Flanagan said he needed to launch an airline) and its inaugural flight took place on 25 October 1985. Sheikh Mohammed appointed his uncle Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum as chairman of

3364-645: Was requested to go to Dubai by Princess Haya and that Haya paid the fare, less than two weeks after the BBC ran a documentary detailing Latifa's failed escape attempt in March. Robinson admits she was "horribly tricked" when photographs of the private lunch were made public and that both she and Haya had been told of details of Latifa's bipolar disorder , a condition which she does not have. Latifa's cousin Marcus Essabri reported that Latifa's photos with Mary Robinson seem to show Latifa medicated while held in Dubai under her father's orders. She has not been seen in public since. In February 2021, video footage obtained by

#731268