Inside the luxury life of Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (2024)

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.

Way before the glitzy hotels, ginormous man-made islands and sky-kissing skyscrapers, Dubai was but a humble and sleepy fishing village. By 1966, Dubai struck oil and development took place at record speed. In the following years, Dubai transformed into a modern city and commercial hub.

According to the sheikh’s website, he lived a happy childhood with his family showering him with love.

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His sons, crown prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aka Fazza and Mansoor bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, grew up living the lavish life.

The princes began their journeys at Dubai’s prestigious Rashid School, per Zawya. According to other sources, they later moved to the UK to attend Sandhurst, a top training college for British military officers favoured by Middle Eastern royals as well as British royals like Prince William and Prince Harry.

His businesses that generate billions

The 74-year-old Emirati politician is often described as one of the world’s most prominent property developers. His government-owned enterprises include Emirates airline, DP World and the Jumeirah Group.

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 Emirates Group, meanwhile, was founded in 1985. It comprises Dnata as well as the largest airline in the Middle East, Emirates airline, that flies to over 150 destinations. The award-winning airline is often touted as the most luxurious in the world with its aircraft offering private suites and on board shower spas to its first-class passengers.

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

Billionaires might have private jets, but the affluent ruler of Dubai owns a whole fleet of them.

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.

Other stud farms that Dubai’s royal family own are Darley Stud in Newmarket, England, Jonabell Farm in Kentucky, US, and Kildangan Stud in County Kildare, Ireland, as per The Guardian.