Commemorating the Accession of HH Sheikh Mohammed as Ruler of Dubai

Fast Forward
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was not wallowing in the adulation that was coming his way this week but the fifth anniversary of his accession as Ruler of Dubai on 4 January 2011 was simply a stimulus to press on.

In this celebratory week he was still giving expression to the statement he made 16 years ago (4 January 1995) when he became Crown Prince:

“I do not know if I am a good leader, but I am a leader. And I have a vision … I take decisions and I move fast. Full throttle.”

Compassionate Leader
His Highness is a visionary and decisive leader, yet one who makes time to show compassion. For example, this week saw him extending sympathy to members of the Al Tayer family on the tragic death of Mohammed Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, meeting with a group of orphaned children at the Babs Al Shams Resort, opening two new health centers and ordering a comprehensive study toward the establishment of a hospital for the treatment of cancer patients.

Interviewed by Children
At the Babs Al Shams Resort the children asked His Highness some interesting questions which were able to draw from him some information not previously disclosed.

Emirates 24/7 reported:
“Sheikh Mohammed encouraged the young children to arm themselves with education to face the future, before adding that they should seek knowledge, wisdom and patience from the elderly, as well as a love for their homeland.”

“Responding to the children's questions concerning his family and pastimes, Sheikh Mohammed said that his eldest daughter's name is Hassa and that his passions are horse riding, hunting, reading and writing poetry. He went on to tell the assembled children that his favourite colour was blue and that he enjoyed driving 4WD vehicles and visiting friends and relatives.”

“On being asked about his childhood ambitions, Sheikh Mohammed said that rather than being focused on becoming a ruler or vice president, he was more interested in pleasing his father, while obeying and learning from him.”

Tributes Flowing In
The tributes have been many, thus illustrating the significance of Sheikh Mohammed’s contribution and the esteem in which he is held.

Here is a selection of the tributes:
For Dubai and the World, a Leader’s Legacy, The National, 4 January 2011.
Five Years of ‘Respect and Humility’, The National, 4 January 2011.
Boy who had the Perfect Mentors, The National, 4 January 2011.
Strengthening the Business Environment, Emirates 24/7, 3 January 2011.
Nationals, Expatriates Extol Mohammed’s Leadership, Khaleej Times, 4 January 2011.

More on Sheikh Mohammed
What Did Sheikh Mohammed Mean by Calling Fujairah ‘The Lungs of the UAE’? FIF, 14 December 2010.
Why Sheikh Mohammed Visited Fujairah This Week, FIF, 8 October 2010.
Sheikh Mohammed Says the Whole UAE is Back, FIF, 27 September 2010.
Sheikh Mohammed on the United Arab Emirates, FIF, 31 August 2010.
Sheikh Mohammed Called ‘Sheikh Mo Mentum’ at the US Horse Racing Sales, ETE.

More on Mohammed the Facebooking Twittering Sheikh of Dubai, UAE, ETE.
Make Sure to Connect with Sheikh Mohammed’s Correct Facebook Page, ETE.

Sheikh Mohammed Gets Public Page on Facebook and Thousands of Fans, ETE.

Sheikh Mohammed Showered With Birthday Greetings and Facebook Gifts, ETE.

Connect With Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid on Facebook, ETE.
Sheikh Mohammed Gains Too Many Friends on Facebook, ETE.
Follow Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai on Twitter, ETE.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Judged One of the 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century, ETE.
Poems Give Most Revealing Glimpse of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum, ETE.
Sheikh Mohammed Hailed as Most Powerful in Horse Racing Industry, ETE.
Sheikh Mohammed Pays Record Price for Aussie Horse Racing Deal, ETE.
Sheikh Mohammed’s Ambitions for Middle East, ETE.
Sheikh Mohammad Models Rare Style of Leadership, ETE.
Sheikh Mohammed’s Leadership is Honoured, ETE.
New Website for H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ETE.
Dubai and Sheikh Mohammed on 60 Minutes Video, ETE.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page upon which many more articles and links are posted than on this blog.

Image: “Meeting with a group of orphaned children at the Babs Al Shams Resort.” (Photo courtesy of Sheikh Mohammed’s Media Office)