He maintained a low profile, preferring to allow his younger brothers, including the globally renowned enterpreneur Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to run the day-to-day affairs of Dubai, the Gulf's booming trade and tourism hub.
 
Internationally, Sheikh Maktoum was perhaps best known as co-owner of Godolphin. The Dubai stables own some of the world's finest racehorses and compete in all the major races. His death was announced by the official WAM news agency on Tuesday. Forty days of mourning were declared, and government offices will be closed for seven days starting Wednesday.