Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum


Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum is president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, CEO and founder of the Emirates Group, chairman of Dubai World, and Noor Takaful insurance company. He is the current chancellor of the Middle East's first research-based postgraduate university The British University in Dubai, chairman of the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee, and second vice chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. A billionaire member of Dubai's ruling Al Maktoum family, he is believed to be one of the world's wealthiest royals.

Early years

The youngest son of Dubai's former ruler Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum and the only child of his second wife Sheikha Fatima bint Ahmed bin Suliman, Sheikh Ahmed is the half-brother of Dubai's former ruler Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the uncle of Dubai's ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Career

Ahmed's career in the aviation industry began in 1985, when he was appointed president of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation . Emirates, the national carrier, was launched at the same time, with Ahmed appointed chairman.
He is believed to be connected to at least 14 board members in 14 organizations in 14 industries. Ahmed has been called "the man who put Dubai on the global aviation map."
Since its foundation Al Maktoum has been serving as Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
He has also been serving as chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group since 1985.
In October 2019 Al Maktoum, as president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, opened a quartet of sector-specific global food trade platforms at the Dubai World Trade Centre
Al Maktoum serves as Chairman of the Dubai Free Zone Council. At its 13th meeting in 2019, which was chaired by Al Maktoum, the members discussed initiatives and proposals for long-term rental agreements or investors and free zone passports.

Philanthropy

Al Maktoum is the chairman of the largest celebration festival of the spoken and written word in the Middle East, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.

Personal life

He is a graduate of the University of Denver. He married Egyptian socialite Nivin El-Gamal in 2007. She gave birth to their only child, Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum in Los Angeles in 2008. It was later reported that El-Gamal feared deportation from the United Kingdom where she resided. Court hearings took place, but Ahmed did not attend. Al Maktoum later married a first cousin twice removed in 2008. In 2011, his net worth was reported to be £19 billion, placing him first ahead of the King of Thailand on the list of royalty by net worth for that year.

Honors and awards