Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum (left) and his son Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum took to social media to post a heartfelt tribute for his late father Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum on his 30^th death anniversary.

Tributes started pouring in from the leaders for the beloved leader who is known as the father of Dubai.

Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum was born in 1912 ruled Dubai for 32 years from 1958 till his death in 1990. He passed away at the age of 78.

Sheikh Rashid transformed Dubai into a world-class metropolis by opening the Dubai International Airport in 1960, Port Rashid in 1972, Al Shindagha Tunnel in 1975, Jebel Ali Port in 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre built in 1978, The second major dredging and widening of the Dubai Creek in early 1970s, Dubai Drydocks in 1983.

"Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed played a crucial role in our history. He was a determined leader with a progressive outlook. He helped lay the foundations of unity for our country, and throughout his life he was a pillar of support for Sheikh Zayed. May God bless their souls," Mohamed Zayed tweeted along with a picture.

Sheikh Mohammed changed his Twitter profile photo with his father’s picture.

Sheikh Mohammed recalled his father by writing a poem on Twitter which read, “Man of few words and lot of thinking. Sheikh Rashid's day began before that of his people. He loved Dubai and was faithful to the Union. His vision was as deep as the sea. He loved his wife Latifa. He left quietly after filling the world with his deeds.”

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai shared a video captioning it, “In remembrance of the 30th anniversary of the passing of one of the greatest leaders, Sheikh Rashed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. A leader that created an inspiring vision for Dubai and its people. His achievements and efforts lives on in our hearts and therefore shall never be forgotten.”

He also changed his profile picture to that of Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed.

Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; and Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council paid tribute to the late Sheikh Rashid on their Twitter accounts.

"On the thirtieth anniversary of his passing, we recall a record of the accomplishments and generosity of Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum ... his insightful thought and his passion for work and achievement will remain a fundamental pillar in Dubai’s present and future march," Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed tweeted with a video.