Sheik of Speed; How the brash son of an Arab tycoon has turned his passion for racing into a billion-dollar business.(Sheik Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum)(A1 Grand Prix)(Interview)

Publication: Newsweek

Publication Date: 31-OCT-05

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Byline: William Underhill

Starting out in business can be tough, even for the children of Arab tycoons. Just ask His Highness Sheik Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, nephew of the crown prince of Dubai and son of the boss of the billion-dollar Al Fajer conglomerate. When he first proposed turning his lifelong passion for motor sports into a global business, "The entire planet thought I was mad," he remembers, "even my family."

No longer. Last month saw the inaugural race of his World Cup of Motorsport, the product of three years' labor. As cars from 25 nations hit the pavement at Britain's Brands Hatch circuit, the 28-year-old sheik spoke breezily of...

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