Luxury on another level: the glamorous life of Dubai’s royal ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – the multibillionaire earns big from Emirates and Burj Al Arab, and splashes on superyachts
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current ruler of Dubai, and his family are among the wealthiest in the Middle East, if not the world. According to The Richest, he has an estimated net worth of US$18 billion.
The head of the family has been married six times and has 23 grandchildren, according to Metro and Emirates Woman. Nothing is ordinary about them, be it their home, hobbies or events they attend.
Here’s a peek inside Dubai’s House of Maktoum’s animal-loving, art-crazy, luxury life.
Meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai and his royal family
Sheikh Mohammed was born the third of four sons of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai.
According to the sheikh’s website, he lived a happy childhood with his family showering him with love.
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His businesses that generate billions
Sheikh Mohammed is also the visionary behind the Palm Islands, the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel and the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, as per multiple sources.
The immensely successful enterprise employs over 105,000 employees across the world, according to its website. Emirates declared to have closed the 2023 financial year with an exceptional level of cash assets of US$10.2 billion – 79 per cent higher compared to March 2022.
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Where do the Dubai royals live?
Dubai’s king, queens, princes and princesses live in an enormous estate dubbed Zabeel Palace. The royal family are enthusiastic animal lovers: their home features a private zoo, home to exotic animals including tigers, lions, gorillas and monkeys, as seen in a Dubai-based YouTuber’s vlog.
According to The Richest, the colossal residence is located in the heart of Dubai and spans nearly 15 hectares.
The same source states that the residence boasts 150 rooms, including a grand ballroom and numerous guest suites. There’s also reportedly a horse racing track, a fleet of vintage cars and an indoor swimming pool.
They own several properties in the UK
The sheikh has splurged millions on properties everywhere. According to The Guardian, the sheikh forked out US$95 million for a Longcross estate in Surrey, US$16.5 million for another mansion in the region’s Woodhay, US$22 million for a home in Belgravia, and more.
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It’s believed the family own multiple other properties across the globe.
Superyachts galore
Can you truly call yourself a royal if you don’t have palaces on land, air and sea? The vice-president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates owns several yachts like the Dubawi and Smeralda, per Superyachtfan.
Most noteworthy are the US$400 million Dubai and US$180 million Quattroelle megayachts, as per Superyachtfan.
According to Club Yacht, the Dubai superyacht spans 531ft and features a helipad, sunbathing areas, pools, spas and more.
Palatial private jets
According to Superyachtfan, he owns jets like the Boeing 747 BBJ (A6-HRM) and the Boeing 747 BBJ (A6-MMM).
The same source states that his fleet of Boeing 747 jets is registered to the Dubai Amiri Flight. These flights are known for their luxurious interiors and five-star service – fit for a king, of course.
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While we’re on the topic of travel, Princess Haya and Sheikh Mohammed loved travelling together during happier days. They once spent an unbelievable US$3 million on strawberries and splurged a US$850,000 on a summer holiday in Italy, as previously reported. The couple even racked up a hefty hotel bill of US$311,000 in Greece.
Their divorce involved some less glamorous costs, though. The Dubai ruler had to pay his UK-based ex-wife a whopping US$728 million in a settlement – one of the most expensive in British history, as previously stated.
Love for art …
The Zabeel Palace walls already give a clear indication that the House of Maktoum seems to appreciate fine art.
Outside the palace, this penchant is obvious at the Etihad Museum, which comprises works from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s private collection. Visitors can peruse pieces by Dia Azzawi, Baya Mahieddine, Naziha Selim, Abdul Qader Al Rais and Fateh Moudarres, per Magzoid.
… and horses and horse racing
Sheikh Mohammed is a prominent racehorse owner and breeder known for his passion for horses – a trait shared by his son, the crown prince. Their breeding operations are counted among the most successful in the world, with their firm Godolphin Stables recording over 5,000 winners worldwide since its inception in 1992, per British media.
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Their love for animals shines through state-of-the-art facilities and high-quality care. Huge investments in technology and equipment ensure the health and well-being of its horses.
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has an estimated net worth of US$18 billion, giving the current ruler of Dubai plenty of room to spend his money – from properties to fine art
- The House of Maktoum family are said to live in the enormous Zabeel Palace while the sheikh’s son Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Mohammed Al Maktoum, aka Fazza, is also a big spender who loves animals