Sheikh Mohammed’s Influence Everywhere in Dubai

It has become impossible to describe the growth of Dubai to anyone who has not visited the jewel of the Persian Gulf.

But no matter how many buildings are constructed - such as the Burj Dubai, already the world's tallest while still incomplete - or how many quirky landmarks are established - such as an indoor ski slope or an underwater hotel - one constant remains: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the mastermind of Dubai's bursting from the sands of the Arabian peninsula desert into global prominence.

Well known across the racing world for his accomplishments in America and Europe as well as for his Darley breeding empire, Sheikh Mohammed is far more than all that in Dubai, where he is the ruler as well as the prime minister of the entire United Arab Emirates. His directives are helping shape the modern world, particularly in the realms of Arab relations with the West as the Gulf countries invest oil profits across the spectrum of business opportunities.

Sheikh Mohammed is everywhere in Dubai. His face and words appear in newspapers, on television, at bookstores-and even on buildings.

Directly across from the Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel, where many Dubai World Cup guests are staying, is a huge image on a building showing Sheikh Mohammed flanked by two of his sons that he recently elevated to key successor positions.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed (on the left in the photo), a skilled horseman who has ridden winners as an amateur jockey at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse and who is a champion endurance competitor, is now Dubai's crown prince, first in line to succeed his father. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed has been given the title of deputy ruler.