Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum

Sheikh Rashid was one of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's many children.[3] He was born on 12 November 1981.[4] Rashid was educated in Dubai at the Rashid School for Boys. He then attended Sandhurst Military Academy in the United Kingdom and graduated in 2002.[1]

Sheikh Rashid was overlooked from the position of Crown Prince of Dubai. In a confidential memo sent from the U.S. consulate in Dubai back to Washington – published by WikiLeaks – acting consul general David Williams wrote: "It is alleged that Rashid killed an assistant in the Ruler's office, thereby forfeiting his opportunity to be heir."[3] His father Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum appointed his younger brother Hamdan Crown Prince of Dubai in 2008.[4] The official explanation being that the current incumbent Hamdan was simply better suited to the job.

In January 2006 Sheikh Rashid was appointed President of the UAE Olympic Committee. However, in 2010 he resigned from his position on account of his overloaded work schedule.

Sheikh Rashid was a principal partner or owner in the following listed companies:

• Noor Investment Group, Principal Partner
• Noor Bank, Principal Partner
• United Holdings Group Dubai, Owner
• Zabeel Racing International, Owner[4]
• Dubai Holding Company, Principal Partner

Sheikh Rashid was a well-known sports figure in the UAE. He participated in a number of International and local Equestrian Endurance competitions winning a number of laurels. His greatest achievement was winning two gold medals in the 2006 Asian Games 120 km Endurance individual mixed as well as 120 km Endurance Team Mixed events. He owned Zabeel Racing, the Dubai stables where his horses were trained. Sheikh Rashid led the individual owners list an unprecedented five times with over 428 wins. Sheikh Rashid was also a football fan; his favourite club was Manchester United.[4]

Sheikh Rashid won two gold medals riding in endurance races at the Asian Olympics in 2006. His personal net worth, as estimated by Forbes in 2010, was approximately $1.9 billion US dollars.

On the morning of 18 September 2015, Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed died of a heart attack at the age of 33 according to the United Arab Emirates state news agency WAM.[5][6][7][8][9][10] A three-day mourning period was declared in Dubai upon his death and the United Arab Emirates flags were flown at half mast[11] Funeral prayers were held after Maghrib prayers at Zabeel Mosque. His burial was held on 19 September 2015 in Bur Dubai's Umm Hurair cemetery.[12]