Sheikh Mohammed: Life and Times is a picture book of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. These photos are from the royal photographer Noor Ali Rashid's collection of previously unpublished images.
This fascinating book is designed to pique the imagination of people of all ages. Thus, General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, aptly points out in the preface: "Noor Ali's timeless photographs give us a vivid glimpse into the life and times of this great leader and will be a joy to readers everywhere."
This picture book is printed in the brightest colours and is so broad in coverage that its importance can scarcely be missed. Clearly it endeavours to inspire everyone into action, to work towards fulfilling Shaikh Mohammad's vision for Dubai — as outlined in the Dubai Vision 2015 strategic plan — and the UAE.
Groomed for the role
The book tells the story of Shaikh Mohammad, who was groomed by his father, and who now wonderfully serves his country, the UAE. The book traces the history of the Al Maktoum family back to 1833. It begins at a crucial moment when the Al Bu Falasah branch of the Bani Yas tribe left Abu Dhabi for Dubai. Readers are then transported to the majlis where as a child Shaikh Mohammad was exposed to Arab folktales and poetry. It closely follows him through his schooldays, followed by a period when he served Dubai and the UAE in various capacities, was named Crown Prince of Dubai in 1995 and became Ruler in January 2006 — the tenth ruler of Dubai and tenth ruler of the Al Maktoum family. He was later appointed Prime Minister of the UAE upon the approval of the Supreme Council.
When he took up the reins, he introduced changes beginning with the six-pronged federal strategy that he launched in April 2007. Its focus was on working towards developing the community, economy, justice and safety, government, infrastructure and remote areas. This was followed by a major Cabinet reshuffle in 2008, which saw him bring in seven new Cabinet ministers and the number of female ministers double from two to four. To help strengthen and forge relations with other countries, Shaikh Mohammad went on official trips to Europe and Asia and received dignitaries and regional and international leaders in the UAE, including the Emir of Qatar Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, King Abdullah II of Jordan, former United States president George W. Bush and former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan.
Dubai has developed tremendously to become an international hub under Shaikh Mohammad's watch. Some of the highlights — on land and sea — that have put the City of Gold on the world map are the recently-opened Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world; Dubai Metro, the first of its kind, which was launched in September last year; the Meydan Racecourse; the Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, the Palm projects and The World. In addition, Dubai has played host to several major international events — the most noteworthy being the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 and the Summit on the Global Agenda.
Rashid leaves no stone unturned in his portrayal. For good measure, he has tossed in the pictures of the young and teenage Shaikh Mohammad. Furthermore, he has wonderfully managed to capture his private and public life — as a ruler, poet and sportsman. Rashid captures both historical and candid moments, thus presenting a touching portrait.
The photos and the well-written commentary give a better understanding of Shaikh Mohammad, a father to his family and people, and what he stands for. It makes you feel like you know him personally. The black-and-white images are the best.
Sheikh Mohammed: Life and Times features rulers of other emirates and Cabinet ministers and captures the enduring relationship binding the ruling families of the seven emirates. It also chronicles the historical development of the UAE, the highlight being the forging of the federation. Hence it is a reference book about the UAE and its leaders.
Shaikh Mohammad's passion for horses is also highlighted. An accomplished rider and poet, he waxes lyrical about horses: "He who knows how to make horses happy, can also make people happy. He who knows how to respect horses knows how to appreciate people ... It seems that my passion for horses is not personal but is part of my blood, soul and history." It comes as no surprise, therefore, that he is equally at home when mixing with royalty and heads of state, and when meeting community elders or schoolchildren or enjoying a day out with his children.
With nearly 50 years as royal photographer, Rashid has seen it all and he pours his heart into his work. To date he has seven books to his credit. From Sheikh Zayed: Life and Times to Sheikh Khalifa: Life and Times and Sheikh Mohammed: Life and Times, he presents books that epitomise the leadership and values of the Emiratis.
As Rashid tells his story through the lens, readers see it all unfold and are taken back to the days of pearl diving and oil discovery, then brought back to the present.
From the first page to the last, Rashid serves up a stunning visual feast. The photographs and text work together to brilliantly capture the life and times of one of the UAE's visionary rulers.
