Bill Duff (Arabist)

William Duff (13 May 1922 – 14 February 2014) was a Scottish banker, Arabist and an advisor to the first vice-president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and a former ruler of Dubai, Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

But around him were these loyal servants: whatever ideas were outlined, they made it happen, Anthony Harris, a former British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates said about William Duff.

[3][8][9] Under the guidance of William Duff, who spoke classical Arabic,[8] Dubai Government channelled the newly opened revenue streams for setting up infrastructural facilities such as Sea ports, Airports, roads, hotels, utilities and communications.

[12] Bill Duff is known to have had a close relationship with Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ten years elder to him,[4] ever since their first meeting in Kuwait in 1959.

[4][8] The relationship is also cited as the reason behind the donation of US$ 1.16 million the erstwhile Dubai ruler made to the Exeter University for its library and later, for the Institute for Arab and Islamic Studies.

[3][4] He died in his sleep on 14 February 2014[8] at his villa along the Jumeirah Beach,[4] leaving Eleanor, his wife, Diana Barnardiston and Sheila Duff-Earles, his two daughters and four grandchildren, Michael, Andrew, Nicholas and Caroline.