Manama: Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Finance and Industry Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died on Wednesday. He was 75.
His brother and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also serves as prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates, announced the death on Twitter.
Emirati officials also announced his death without specifying the cause. Sheikh Hamdan had been in poor health for several months. Last fall, he air dashed to abroad for surgery and in recent weeks his brother Sheikh Mohammed tweeted prayers for his recovery.
The country declared an official mourning for a period of 40 days and ministries and government agencies will suspend work for three days from Tuesday.
Sheikh Hamdan was the second son of the late ruler Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. He completed his higher studies at the Bell School of Languages in Cambridge.
When the UAE formed its first Cabinet in 1971, Sheikh Hamdan was appointed as finance minister, held the post until his death. He is one of the longest-serving Finance Ministers. Throughout his long tenure, nearly 50 years, he played a crucial role in developing the country’s fiscal policies and government spending. He attracted foreign investment to the country and managed the country’s vast oil wealth and, alongside his brother, oversaw the transformation of Dubai into a key regional financial hub.
He was accolade with three honorary fellowships from the prestigious Royal British college.
Sheikh Hamdan was a renowned horseman, according to associate press, who owned eight stud farms in Britain, Kentucky and Ireland with hundreds of regally bred horses and top stallions.
He was also liked hunting and dhow racing.
Funeral prayers for Sheikh Hamdan was restricted to the family because of COVID-19. Dubai ruler Shekh Mohammed performed funeral prayers at Zabeel Mosque in Dubai. He was laid to rest in Umm Hurair cemetery in Dubai.
Following the death, ten-day mourning has been announced in Dubai on Wednesday. The UAE President declared three days of mourning and flags to be flown at half-mast and to be raised next Saturday, March 27th.
All work in government departments and institutions across Dubai has been ordered to suspend for a period of three days, starting Thursday until Saturday, March 27.
