The aviation career of Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum began in 1985 with his appointment as president of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation. Launched concurrently with the airline Emirates, this role positioned him as a central figure in the governance of Dubai International and the broader development of the region's commercial flight infrastructure.
Early Background and Education
Born in 1958 in Dubai, Ahmed is the youngest son of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum and Sheikha Fatima bint Ahmed bin Suliman. He is the half-brother of the former ruler Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the uncle of the current ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His formal education includes a degree in political science earned at the University of Denver.
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Since 1985, he has served as chairman and CEO of the Emirates Airline and the Emirates Group. His oversight extends to the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, and the Dubai Aviation City Corporation. Beyond aviation, he holds leadership roles within Dubai World, Dubai Holding, and Emirates NBD, while also serving as a board member for the Investment Corporation of Dubai. His public service roles include acting as the second vice chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.
Professional Recognition and Boards
His work has resulted in numerous accolades, including the 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the UAE and a 2013 honorary degree from City University London. He was also appointed an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Between 2013 and 2021, he appeared annually on the list of the top 100 most powerful Arabs published by Gulf Business.
Personal Life and Family
Ahmed married Sheikha Mona in 2008. In 2019, he married Moza bint Hamdan Al Malik Al Shehi, with whom he had a son, Mohammed, in November 2020. He also has a son, Saeed bin Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, from a relationship with Nivin El-Gamal.
Fast facts
- Born: 1958, Dubai
- Education: University of Denver
- Key Role: Chairperson and CEO, Emirates Group
- Honor: Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
- Recognition: Entrepreneur of the Year, UAE (2011)
- Positions: President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority
- Languages: English, Arabic
- Citizenship: United Arab Emirates
Questions readers ask
What is his educational background?
He earned a degree in political science from the University of Denver.
What aviation organizations does he oversee?
He chairs or leads the Emirates Group, Dubai Airports, and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
Achievements
- Holdings: Grosvenor House
- Affiliated with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, The Emirates Group and Dubai World
- Educated at University of Denver
