Our Correspondent
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who had been unwell for some months died at the age of 75. The news of his death was announced on March 24 morning by his brother and Dubai Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Mohammed posted a picture of his brother saying: “We belong to God and to Him we shall return … May God have mercy on you, my brother, my support and my companion.”
إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون … رحمك الله يا أخي وسندي ورفيق دربي.. وأحسن مثواك .. وضعت رحالك عند رب كريم رحيم عظيم .. pic.twitter.com/xAw3rXIwoj
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 24, 2021
Sheikh Mohammed had tweeted prayers and well wishes for his brother recently on March 9.
In October, Sheikh Hamdan had undergone an operation overseas for an unspecified ailment. He was wished well by officials and colleagues upon his return to the country. Details of the surgery or the location were not stated.
Sheikh Hamdan was made Deputy Ruler of Dubai in January 1995. He had been holding the position of Minister of Finance since the very first Cabinet of the UAE was formed on December 9, 1971. He had played an indispensable role in developing financial policies and government spending. He presided over Dubai Municipality, Al Maktoum foundation, Dubai Aluminum (DUBAL) and Dubai Natural Gas Company Limited, and Dubai World Trade Centre, among others.
In 2006, Sheikh Hamdan received three certificates – honorary fellowships in Internal Medicine – from the Royal British College, making him the first personality to attain such a distinction from the College.
