The ruler of Dubai was the late H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum , who was also the Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates . Dubai 's government operates within the framework of a constitutional monarchy , and has been ruled by the Al Maktoum family since 1833 . The current ruler , Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , is also the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and member of the Supreme Council of the Union ( SCU ) .