Happy birthday, Sheikh Mohammed: Rare, unseen photos of the Dubai Ruler and global leader

The world knows His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as the visionary leader who took the emirate to new heights.

He may be the most influential figure in Dubai, and it is usual for people to see him out and about like any other resident. Just yesterday, he was seen taking a ride in the Metro, and was also spotted cycling around Dubai, earlier this week.

The life of Sheikh Mohammed, who has inspired generations of Arabs through the years, is a key part of UAE history.

As he turns 74 today, let's take a look into his journey — from a family-oriented boy to a global leader:

Here is a young Sheikh Mohammed standing with a falcon on his hand, next to Hamid bin Amhi, a sheikh of the Manasir tribe.

As a child, Sheikh Mohammed has looked up to his father — Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, then Ruler of Dubai, whom he called him his "first teacher". Here, the father-son duo are seen reading together:

In this photo in 1961, a young Sheikh Mohammed is seen with his older brother, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

In this early photograph of the Dubai Ruler, he is seen smiling, dressed in uniform.

Here's another photo of Sheikh Mohammed, walking in front of soldiers during the graduation ceremony at the Manama camp.

This black-and-white photograph shows Sheikh Mohammed's keen interest in building Dubai as he stands inside an Emirates aircraft. Sheikh Mohammed is accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of the Emirates Airline and Group.

ALSO READ:

• Happy birthday, Sheikh Mohammed: The nation celebrates your extraordinary life, exceptional leadership

• Watch: UAE Vice-President Sheikh Mohammed rides Dubai Metro

• UAE
• Dubai