15 pictures from Sheikh Mohammed's 15 years as prime minister

Sheikh Mohammed was named Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai in 2006, following the death of his elder brother Sheikh Maktoum

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  Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid presents United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan with the Zayed International Prize for the Environment in Dubai in February 2006, one month after he was named prime minister and vice president of the UAE. AFP

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  President Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid arrive for the inauguration of the National Federal Council on 12 February 2007 in Abu Dhabi. The semi-elected chamber is a consultative body that debates policies and makes recommendations to the government. AFP

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  Sheikh Mohammed and his brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid meets with Lt Gen Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, chief of Dubai Police, at Zabeel Palace in Dubai on September 30, 2008 on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. AFP

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  Sheikh Mohammed shakes hands with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during a meeting in Windsor Castle in London on November 23, 2009. AFP

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  Sheikh Mohammed disembarks an Emirates A380 during a media tour of Dubai's new second airport, Dubai World Central, on July 1, 2010. AFP

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  Sheikh Mohammed with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz at the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit meeting in Riyadh on December 19, 2011. Saudi Press Agency

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  Sheikh Mohammed welcomes Sultan Qaboos bin Said as the Omani leader arrives at Dubai International Airport on October 22, 2012. Wam

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  Sheikh Mohammed salutes the crowd near Dubai's Burj Khalifa as the country marks on December 1, 2013. AFP

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  Sheikh Mohammed spins the golden whip as he celebrates after his horse African Story won the Dubai World Cup on March 29, 2014. AFP

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  The Dubai Ruler speaks among engineers and scientists during a ceremony to unveil UAE's Mars Mission on May 6, 2015 in Dubai. AFP

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  Sheikh Mohammed meets US Vice President Joe Biden in Dubai, on March 8, 2016. WAM

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  Jordan's King Abdullah II talks with Sheikh Mohammed during a welcome ceremony at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman on March 28, 2017 ahead of talks on the eve of the Arab League summit. AFP

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  British teacher Andria Zafirakou receives the Global Teacher Prize from Sheikh Mohammed at an award ceremony in Dubai on March 18, 2018. AFP

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  Sheikh Mohammed greets Pope Francis as the pontiff arrives at the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi on 4 February 2019. Getty

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  Sheikh Mohammed speaks to UAE Armed Forces personnel who served in Yemen at Zayed Military City in Abu Dhabi, February 9, 2020. MOPA

Related: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reflects on 15 years since he was sworn in

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has left an indelible stamp on Dubai and the UAE.

Fifteen years ago today, on January 4, 2006, he was named Ruler of Dubai following the death of his brother, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid.

A day later, members of the UAE Supreme Council elected him as vice president and approved President Sheikh Khalifa’s nomination for him to be prime minister. He was appointed the following month.

In the 15 years that has followed the country has ben transformed, with the economy being diversified significantly away from oil to attract commerce, tourists and major live events.

During his tenure, Emirates became one of the fastest-growing airlines, with its trademark Airbus A380 serving airports across the globe.

A bid for the Expo world fair was also won and will be held in October 2021.

Here are 15 pictures that chart Sheikh Mohammed’s 15 years as prime minister.