Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday delivered a lecture titled ‘The Spirit of the Union,' focusing on the UAE’s most prominent phases since its establishment 40 years ago.
During the lecture – interspersed with his own poetic verses and delivered on the occasion of the UAE’s 40th National Day at the crowded Rashid Hall at the Dubai World Trade Centre – Shaikh Mohammad spoke about the UAE’s history prior to and after the Union, and its development and growth.
Hundreds of academicians, intellectuals, prominent literary figures, researchers, university professors and students and other dignitaries were present to listen to the lecture.
“The UAE has accomplished many achievements 40 years since its establishment. However, the nation’s biggest achievement is the UAE youth, who represent the future of the country,” Shaikh Mohammad said. He added that it was the efforts of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum that saved the Union and made it happen.
He also spoke about the period prior to the Federation, and how the forefathers drove off the Portuguese from Gulf lands. Shaikh Mohammad’s lecture touched upon pearl diving, and how the forefather were resilient and continued to move forward after facing challenges presented by the introduction of artificial pearls.
He also recited many pieces of his poetry to the audience, and spoke about witnessing various events prior to the federation, such as a meeting held in February 18, 1968, between the late Shaikh Zayed and the late Shaikh Rashid. He said that each of the Rulers brought three people along with them, and that he was one of the people who accompanied Shaikh Rashid.
