No one in Kenya would have cared to know Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) vice president and prime minister, if the daring gold scam never happened. And the suspected players have become fodder on social media platforms, blogs and in the mainstream media. Zaheer Jhanda, Jared Otieno and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula are among the suspected fraudsters who promised to deliver gold worth kes30 billion to the Royal family before it turned into a scam that is threatening to sour relations between Nairobi and Dubai. The UAE government wrote a protest letter to the Kenyan government demanding kes4 billion in compensation after Mr Jhanda claimed that the gold was held at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The 40 year politician has now changed turn and claimed that the gold has not even left the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). But that’s a story for another day.
Investments
He is the founder of Godolphin racing stable and owner of Darley, a thoroughbred breeding operation in Dubai (headquaerters) and the team has horses in training in Australia, Japan, France, Ireland, the UK and the US.
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
Dubai Holding
He is the majority shareholder in Dubai Holding. Companies under Dubai Holding:
Jumeirah Holdings
Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, a member of Dubai Holding, operates a world-class portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts and residences across the Middle East, Europe and Asia. The hotels include Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Jumeirah Al Naseem and Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai Properties
TECOM Group
Includes Dubai Internet City, Dubai Outsource City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Industrial Park, Emirates Tower District, and Dubai Design District (d3).
Dubai Asset Management
Layan, Ghoroob, Shorooq, Al Khail Gate, Nuzul, Al Quoz and Rahaba Residences, Remraam, Mirdif, Al Quoz, Dubailand, and Culture Village
Dubai Retail
Arab Media Group (AMG)- Arabian Radio Network (ARN), Done Events and Global Village
Emirates International Telecommunications (EIT)
Homes
He has 63,000 acres in Scotland where he has a house. According to Arabian Business, the 69 year old leader is planning to build a nine-bedroom lodge will be called Ptarmigan and the second, a 19-bedroom property is set to be called Benula.
Family
He has several wives and 23 children.
So what’s the net worth of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
According to MSN.com, the royal family has a net worth of $19 billion. The jaw dropping Ksh.1.4 billion the royal family was to pay Jhanda is a pittance considering their vast wealth.
