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Dubai Enters Into Mourning Following Ruler's Death

4th January 2006 Following the sad news of the death of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts have advised TD Sport and Travel that they have cancelled all live entertainment and hotel-based events until further notice.

Although the official state mourning period is 42 days, the emir's death is expected to affect all entertainment and music in bars, shopping malls, sports venues etc for the next 2 weeks.

It was during Sheikh Maktoum's leadership that Dubai used its oil profits to develop into a tourist Mecca.

Much of the development was masterminded by the emir's younger brother, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who has been announced as his successor.

Racing was Sheikh Maktoum's first love and under his influence the annual Dubai World Cup became known as the richest horse race in the world.

Further Information:

bbc - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4579552.stm
TD Sport and Travel - http://www.tdsport.co.uk/dubai/index.html

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