Abu Dhabi: Business leaders and industry captains in the capital have mourned the untimely demise of Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as a great loss to the UAE.
They said his death marks the end of a lifespan synonymous with the growth and development of Dubai and the UAE as an international trading and business hub. "Shaikh Maktoum was the cornerstone of the UAE's foundation, he helped build.
"Without his contribution, Dubai would not be what it is today a major regional and international business hub," said Hussain Al Nowais, chairman, Emirates Holdings and board member, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI).
"He was genuinely concerned about the welfare of the people and the country, his death is a great loss to the nation," he added.
Other prominent nationals also grieved Shaikh Maktoum's death. "Shaikh Maktoum was undoubtedly one of the leading founders of the nation and his contribution has been immense since the 1970s.
"A look at Dubai today is enough to show the vision, the strategies and the sound planning of Shaikh Maktoum and the other leaders," said Mohammad Al Ansari, managing director of the Al Ansari Exchange, the largest money exchange house in the country.
"He is responsible for putting Dubai on the international map," said Ansari, who had met Shaikh Maktoum on numerous occasions. Emarati, Salwa Shibani, chief executive of Condor Medicals, said Shaikh Maktoum's death was a huge loss to the business world and to the country as whole.
"He had a dynamic presence and was an inspiration to all businessmen and women.
"His leadership qualities were sterling and it is sad he is no more," she said.
