Arab statesman largely responsible for creating the modern emirate of Dubayy and a cofounder (1971) of the United Arab Emirates. (United Arab Emirates)

The son of Sheikh Saʿīd Āl Maktūm, Rāshid was educated locally in Arabic, and in 1958 he became ruler of what had been a trading settlement located beside a creek. After the discovery of oil in 1966, he used the area's new wealth to dredge the creek and create a deepwater port for shipping Dubayy's oil; he used his oil revenues to build an airport and to initiate new industries and services, including improved medical care. In 1968 Britain announced it would withdraw its forces from the Persian Gulf by the end of 1971. Rāshid and his relative by marriage Sheikh Zāyid ibn Sulṭān Āl Nahyān (Nahyān, Sheikh Zāyid ibn Sulṭān Āl), of neighbouring Abū Ẓaby, then laid the groundwork for self-rule that became the constitution for a federation, the U.A.E. The seven separate emirates retained their individual, traditional rights, including armies, but were united by varying amounts of aid that each could receive from a central fund maintained by all.

Rāshid served as vice president (1971–90) and prime minister (1979–90) of the U.A.E., but his health failed during the last decade of his life. He designated his eldest son, Sheikh Āl Maktūm, U.A.E. deputy prime minister, his successor and proclaimed that his other sons, Sheikhs Ḥamdān, Muḥammad, and Ahmad, would also continue as leaders.