Mohammed succeeds Maktoum

The emir of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has been succeeded by younger brother Sheikh Mohammed following his death on Wednesday aged 62.

Sheikh Maktoum, who was ruler of Dubai and vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, passed away while visiting Australia, the president’s office in Abu Dhabi said in a statement.

His funeral will take place this morning at Umm Hurair cemetery in Bur Dubai, according to www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae.

Sheikh Maktoum and Sheikh Mohammed, along with their other brother Sheikh Hamdan, revolutionised racing across the globe.

Sheikh Maktoum had 10 trainers worldwide including Michael Stoute, Ed Dunlop, Mark Johnston and Neil Drysdale, as well as hundreds of horses in training.

He had a host of big-race winners, with his best-known horses included Fantastic Light, Cadeaux Genereux, Shadeed and Shareef Dancer.

Following the announcement of his death, Dubai declared 40 days of official mourning.

The stock exchanges in Dubai and Abu Dhabi ceased trading and many shops and businesses closed.

“The United Arab Emirates has lost a historical leader who devoted his life to establishing the United Arab Emirates and enhancing its structure and the welfare of its people,” the government said in a statement.