“It is with profound sorrow that we learned today of the passing away of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He was an inspirational leader, and I speak for all staff and clients of the DIFC when I say he will be sorely missed.
“It was the vision, personal commitment and endeavour of His Highness that enabled the DIFC to come into being, and to be the success story that it is today.
“Sheikh Maktoum’s central role in passing the decrees that have brought about the creation of an international financial centre here in Dubai has been pivotal to our growth and development. His guidance and support will be missed by the entire financial community of Dubai, the UAE and the whole region.
“It is to Sheikh Maktoum that the DIFC owes its status as an independent financial free zone, the creation of its independent regulator and the DIFC Courts, and its continuing attraction to the world’s financial services industry. His loss is a deep sadness for us all.
“We have lost a great leader with the death of Sheikh Maktoum, and also pay tribute to the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose visionary reforms allowed the creation of Dubai’s free zones.“
“The legacy of both Sheikh Maktoum and Sheikh Zayed will encourage us to work harder to achieve their visions for the future of the nation.“
“Our deep and sincere condolences go to the country’s leadership and to the nation.”
