ExclusiveLittle-known Dubai Sheikh Ali Al Maktoum who planned US$500 million family office in Hong Kong postpones its opening at eleventh hour
- Office says ‘urgent matters in Dubai required the sheikh’s attention’
- UAE consulate confirms prince ‘from the ruling family’, as Al Maktoum tells Post source of his wealth has come from ‘own initiatives’
A Dubai prince who made waves after announcing plans to set up a new family office in Hong Kong with a US$500 million investment pledge has abruptly postponed its opening scheduled for Thursday.
Late on Wednesday night, just hours after Sheikh Ali Rashed Ali Saeed Al Maktoum made an appearance at a private dialogue on philanthropy, a close aide issued a statement that the family office’s opening would be rescheduled.
The statement, titled “Royal Family’s HK office in respite”, said: “It was announced today that the official opening of the Office of Sheikh Ali Rashed Ali Saeed Al Maktoum … has been delayed.”
The office said “urgent matters in Dubai required the sheikh’s attention”. Eleanor Jane Mak, the office’s vice-chairman and CEO, said the matter was personal and declined to elaborate.
A new date for the official opening would be decided in due course and the office hoped for the public’s understanding regarding the “unfortunate postponement”, the statement added.
The sudden deferment was revealed a day after the UAE confirmed to the Post the identity of the little-known 28-year-old prince who had said his uncle was Dubai’s ruler and prime minister.