Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Ras Al Khaimah: On the fourth anniversary of the accession of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Emiratis across the country shared their feelings about what Shaikh Mohammad means to them as a leader, role model, sportsman, father, mentor and teacher.
Hessa Ebrahim Kalantar, a Client Relations Manager in Dubai, said Shaikh Mohammad is simply the father, the leader, the eye of Dubai. His visions, strategies, and extreme concern for his people and Dubai made him a top leader of the world. Through his leadership Dubai has been placed as "diamond in the middle of the desert sparkling and shining to the whole world".
"He mentioned previously in one of his speeches that he likes the number one. So it is only fitting that he is the number one leader, the number one father and the one and only Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, my idol."
Mohammad Al Mesmari, Business Development Manager from Fujairah, said Shaikh Mohammad means trust.
"He means trust; where we believe in him and we know that we are going to overcome any challenge that might come. His vision is one of the main factors to make him stand out as a leader. He also means patience; whatever he is faced with he never gives up and continues to walk in that path, knowing that with perseverance anything can be achieved," Al Mesmari said. He added that Shaikh Mohammad also means peace. "I believe that he set himself as a role model to every one in the country."
National identity
Ali Obaid Ali, Public Relations Manager from Sharjah, said: "Shaikh Mohammad is the perfect role model for every Emirati. He leads by example in every field be it sports, politics, the arts or governance. His efforts in conserving the country's culture, traditions and identity has inspired the youth of the country including myself to learn more about who we are."
Fatima Abdul Kareem, Finance Director from Dubai, said: "To me, Shaikh Mohammad represents the wisdom and kindness of both Shaikh Zayed and Shaikh Rashid. His wise leadership encourages me to be on a constant course of winning, succeeding and a drive for excellence that never ends."
Khalid Ali Al Shemmari, an 18-year-old student from Al Ain, said Shaikh Mohammad has placed his nation on the world map. "I believe Shaikh Mohammad is an excellent ruler who undoubtedly is the one who put us on the world map."
"The entire world holds breath when a project is about to be announced in Dubai, knowing that it will be great and first of its kind," said Nayef Ahmad Al Bahar in Ras Al Khaimah.
"The continuing story of success Dubai has been enjoying under the leadership of Shaikh Mohammad is indicative of the ground-breaking achievements for this great leader whose reputation has filled the earth."
Sacrifices
Khalid Mohammad Al Tibani of Ras Al Khaimah said even the Emiratis themselves are astonished by the development and achievements of Shaikh Mohammad. "We regularly visit Dubai to watch and follow up on the daily accomplishments," he said. Al Tibani said the UAE nationals are blessed and proud to have this inspirational leader whose capabilities are globally recognised. He added that Shaikh Mohammad's charismatic character is surely of great influence on his people where huge things have been accomplished and many dreams have been realised..
Wael Ali of Ras Al Khaimah stressed that Shaikh Mohammad puts the well being of the Emiratis on top of his priorities. "He is ready to do whatever it takes and sacrifices to achieve this goal," he said.
"Shaikh Mohammad has never rejected a request of an Emirati; he moves all over the country, where he is keen to meet up with the Emiratis and speak to them about their daily lives." In his regular visits to Ras Al Khaimah, Ali said, "We have met him where he spoke to everybody who is interested to speak to him, who are many of course, and gave instructions to meet all the demands of the Emiratis and took seriously several issues raised to him."
Faisal Sultan Al Shehi of Ras Al Khaimah said Dubai is one of the key cities in the world, and the credit goes solely to Shaikh Mohammad. "Real changes in every aspect of life in Dubai and the UAE have been clear and what will come is even greater," he said. "The entire world will witness bigger successes and achievements in Dubai and the UAE in the near future. We are used to this from Shaikh Mohammad who takes people by surprise with huge and great projects."
Abdullah Abdul Rahman Abdullah, also from Ras Al Khaimah, said Shaikh Mohammad has proven his role as a prominent politician, economist and sportsman. "It is very rare in history to come across a leader with such characteristics and capabilities." He said Shaikh Mohammad is fully aware of secrets of success. "Shaikh Mohammad basically knows that change within is a must for a real national change, and that he has played a fundamental role in changing the attitude of the Emiratis towards progress and development."
Media office: Preparations
The Media Office has completed preparations to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the accession of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai tomorrow.
A special committee from the Media Office took one month to complete the prepaprations for various events that reflect the love and devotion of the people of Dubai.
Hessa Al Rasheed, Head of the Media Affairs at the Media Office, praised the efforts of the committee's members and thanked the media office for cooperating with the committee.
— Staff Report
