Dubai: The UAE's expatriate business community paid tribute to a leader who encouraged them to make Dubai their home and a safe place to build their futures.
Kamil Sarieddine, vice president of the Lebanese Business Council described the late ruler as a 'rare gem.'
"His contribution to the economic transformation of Dubai was phenomenal," he said.
"Today, Dubai is a miracle city known the world over. What's more, he dealt with expatriates as if they were part of the country."
J.R. Gangaramani, managing director of Al Ain-based Al Fara Construction, and a leading Indian businessman said Shaikh Maktoum was a visionary who endeared himself to expatriates.
"He ensured the unity of the country and pushed Dubai to contribute to the economic growth of the entire nation. His death is a great blow to all of us," he said.
Robert Schwarz, chairman of the British Business Group said most business groups in the country had interacted with Shaikh Maktoum at some point and that he always proved to be very approachable and understanding.
"Dubai and the UAE's economic growth has been spectacular and this is due to the leadership and vision of people like Shaikh Maktoum," he said.
The Pakistan Business Community also mourned the sudden loss of a great man whose leadership and guidance was behind the development of Dubai.
"Shaikh Maktoum was a great friend of Pakistan. Businessmen in particular felt the same kind of attachment to him as they did for his father, Shaikh Rashid Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum," said Dr. Syed Qaisar Anis, president, of the Pakistani Business Council.
Yusuffali MA, managing director of Emke Group said: "A man of few words, but of lofty vision, his inspired thinking is evident in the modernity and universality that Dubai reflects. His genial presence will be missed by everyone in the UAE."
Arvind Nair, chief operating officer of Jumbo Electronics, the UAE's largest electronics retailer, said: "Shaikh Maktoum had a great vision for Dubai and its people, and led the country towards the path of excellence and continued success. Under his leadership, the country made remarkable progress on all fronts and is a strong force on the global map today," he said.
"In the last three decades, the Jumbo Group along with the entire retail community has reaped the benefits of being in Dubai's forceful business environment."
Kamal Vachani, regional director of India's Electronics and Computer Software Export Council, said: "It is shocking news. We did not expect this to happen. Our condolences go out to his family and we pray for his departed soul."
