WHEN RASHID TOLD ZAYED ‘YOU ARE THE PRESIDENT’

The latest book penned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will offer a fascinating insight into the experiences and philosophies that shaped the iconic leader’s vision. In what he is calling his “incomplete biography”, Sheikh Mohammed has narrated 50 stories in his 50 years of serving the nation. He has shared some excerpts from the book titled Qissati (My Story).

Desert life vs city life

“Before I turned 18, my father taught me how to live in the desert and how to deal with its animals, gazelles and wolves, its cold weather and its volatility. After I turned 18, he taught me how to live in the city with humans. How hard-hearted are humans! And how beautiful is the desert!”

The Union meeting

“In the northern tent, something happened that usually never happens in Arab countries and won’t happen again in decades. Sheikh Zayed asked Sheikh Rashid to be the President of the Union. However, Sheikh Rashid smiled, moved the rosary in his hand and said: ‘You are the president’.”

A hysterical welcome

“We went to Tripoli’s squares that were filled with crowds. Surprisingly, someone told the people that we were there. They hysterically surrounded our car, and all of them welcomed us warmly. The car started to lose its stability and moments later, I felt it lift off the ground.”

A sorrowful farewell

“When they carried the body of my grandfather from the house, my father held my hand tightly while we were walking among the people behind the coffin. I do not know why he was holding my hand so tightly. Was it due to sorrow or did he want me to remember that moment forever?”

News of a hijacked plane

“I was at a military base when my phone rang and I was told that Japan Airlines (Flight 404) was hijacked. Osamu Maruoka (who led the terrorists) told me: ‘Do not change the subject, we have weapons...and we are going to kill all the passengers’.”

Divine guidance

“The worst things to affect a human being are vanity, megalomania, the belief in one’s own power and his dependence on his limited mortal strength. We work, but success is from Allah; we move, but the Almighty guides us; we serve our people with sincerity, but God grants us success based on our intentions. Guidance is from Allah, care is from Allah and protection is from Allah.”

Thank you my teacher, my brother, Mohammed bin Rashid, for gifting me your new book, My Story. You have carried forward the legacy of the founders of this nation. Your story represents a rich legacy for future generations. You are an exceptional teacher who inspires everyone.

HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan @ MohamedBinZayed