The ruler of Dubai, and also the vice-president and prime minister of United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven Gulf emirates; Shaikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died aged 62 while visiting Australia, the UAE's president's office said.
A statement issued by the UAE ministry of presidential affairs said, "The UAE today lost a historical leader who has contributed throughout his life in establishing the UAE and enhancing its structure and the welfare of its people.
The statement added that the late Shaikh Maktoum was an example of the sincere national commitment. He placed his country's interest over any other considerations. He was a model for good behavior.
The government has announced a 40-day official mourning during which flags will fly at half-mast. Ministries, government institutions and departments will remain closed for seven days starting from today.
In Dubai, private sector will be off work for three days as of Thursday, January 5.
All activities relating to the Dubai Shopping Festival will remain suspended for the duration of the mourning period.
Queensland Police spokesperson said that the Dubai ruler died at the Palazzo Versace hotel. He had arrived in Australia on 28 Dec.
Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, the defence minister of the United Arab Emirates, took over as ruler of Dubai following the death of Shaikh Maktoum bin Rashed Al Maktoum today, officials said. The handover to Dubai's crown prince, Shaikh Mohammed, was automatic, officials said. Shaikh Mohammed has been the UAE defence minister since 1971 and heir apparent to the throne of Dubai since 1995.
With his brother, Shaikh Maktoum's blessing, he has been largely responsible for the phenomenal growth and development of the city in recent years.
Shaikh Maktoum's body is expected to be flown back to Dubai from Brisbane on his private Boeing 747-400 later on today (Wednesday, 04 Jan).
The late Shaikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum will be laid to rest at Umm Hurair Cemetery at Bur Dubai after his body will arrive in Dubai tomorrow (Thursday, 05 Jan).
The United Arab Emirates is a country made up of seven emirates, namely; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah, Fujairah. It was founded on December 2, 1971. This is now celebrated as the annual National Day.
Abu Dhabi is the Federal capital and also the largest of the seven emirates covering more than 85 per cent of land that constitutes the UAE.
Abu Dhabi's Ruler His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Sharjah's Ruler His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qassimi.
Ajman' Ruler His Highness Shaikh Humaid bin Rashie Al Nuaimi
Umm Al-Quwain's Ruler His Highness Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmad Al Mualla.
Ras Al-Khaimah's Ruler His Highness Shaikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qassimi.
Fujairah's Ruler His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi.
The Dubai population had to depend on the sea for their livelihood. It provided fish, Pearls and trade. The hamlet soon turned into a small trading port based around the mouth of the Creek.
As now seems the norm in Dubai - investors and expatriates quickly arrived. Settlers from Iran, India and Baluchistan began to settle in the port town.
A large number of Indians were also attracted to Dubai and in the 1930s. Sizeable communities from Bahrain, Kuwait and other areas of Arabia added to the ethnic melting pot.
The decline of the traditional pearl diving industry and the second world war all conspired to hit Dubai's prosperity as a small trading port - although it did recover in the 1960s.
However, it was then that things would change forever. The discovery of oil in the late 1960s would act as the catalyst for modern day Dubai.
The basis of Dubai's economy became oil, which it began pumping in 1969. It boasted big reserves, but in comparison to the rest of the Gulf these reserves were low. Realising that the emirate could not rely on oil forever, Dubai's then leader, Shaikh Rashid began the foundations of the thriving city that one sees today.
The ruling family of Dubai is the Al Maktoums. The successful early development of Dubai was thanks to the long rules of HH Shaikh Saeed Al Maktoum (1912 - 1958) followed by his son HH Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and then his son HH Shaikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The Crown Prince General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been the driving force behind Dubai's rapid growth.
He is a man well known across the world for his vision and ambition, as well as his passion for racing and the ownership of the global racing brand Godolphin.
An unprecedented level of building and investment has taken place in the last decade under the guidance of Shaikh Mohammad - turning Dubai into a major tourist and economic centre.
