Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was born on November 24, 1983, as the third son of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He completed his secondary education at Rashid Private School for Boys and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the American University in Dubai in 2006, after which he joined several training courses at the Dubai School of Government and Harvard University.

Sheikh Maktoum has held the position of Deputy Ruler of Dubai since February 1, 2008. In April 2023, he was appointed as First Deputy Ruler of Dubai. He has also held the position of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in the Government of the United Arab Emirates since September 25, 2021.

His Highness takes a keen interest in the knowledge-based economy and has made numerous significant humanitarian contributions. He presides over the Higher Board of Governors of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a key financial free zone that embodies Dubai's aspirations to act as a gateway for international business into the Middle East and beyond. Under his leadership as President of the DIFC, the centre's ranking in the Global Financial Centres Index reached 11th overall and top four globally for FinTech. In 2026, DIFC surpassed 10,000 active registered companies for the first time under his stewardship.

Sheikh Maktoum is also Chairman of the General Budget Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Tax Authority since October 12, 2021. Prior to being appointed Deputy Ruler of Dubai, he chaired and oversaw organisations and committees across sectors such as business, investment, finance, media, sports and culture.

Career History

• Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, UAE Government (September 2021–present)
• President and Chairman of the Dubai International Financial Centre (2011–present)
• First Deputy Ruler of Dubai (April 2023–present)
• Deputy Ruler of Dubai (February 2008–present)
• Chairman of the Court of His Highness Ruler of Dubai (May 2021–present)

What Sheikh Maktoum could bring to his role as Minister of Finance: As a seasoned financial steward with deep expertise in building Dubai's financial ecosystem through the DIFC, Sheikh Maktoum brings visionary leadership in positioning the UAE as a top-tier global financial centre. His track record of steering the DIFC to record growth—surpassing 10,000 registered companies and maintaining a top-four FinTech ranking—demonstrates his capacity to drive innovation and international competitiveness. His oversight of federal taxation and budgetary priorities, combined with his institutional knowledge of Dubai's economic transformation, positions him to advance the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and strengthen the UAE's financial stability and global economic influence.