Charismatic, compassionate and an icon of hope
Emiratis and expatriates who have personally met Sheikh Mohamed are always left impressed by their beloved leader’s simplicity, humility, his down-to-earth nature, and how he lends an ear to one and all
or everyone who has met the President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the biggest thing that stands out about him, they say, is his simplicity.
Emiratis and expatriates who have interacted with the beloved leader, always talk about his “down to earth” nature and how he lends an ear to what they have to say. Here’s a snapshot of some residents who have met him and their first-hand impressions about the people’s leader.
When gifted Sheikh Mohamed a portrait of Sheikh Zayed
Khaleej Times
In 2019, Khaleej Times gifted a portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan made of shredded banknotes worth Dh1 million to Sheikh Mohamed.
Conceptualisd by Mohammed Galadari, Co-chairman of Galadari Brothers, and executed by Emadeldin Abdelsalam, an illustrator, who works with Khaleej Times, the labour of love was put together in 21 days.
Sheikh Mohamed appreciated the work of art as he extended a warm welcome to Galadari and Abdelsalam when they met him in person in Abu Dhabi to present the portrait.
Galadari recalled how the beloved leader put his arm around his shoulder. “His Highness was the then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who took time off to meet us and receive the portrait despite his hectic schedule.
“As we were waiting for him, his car pulled up and I saw that he himself was driving it. I was expecting a driver to be with him, but he himself was at the wheel,” Galadari said.
The Co-chairman of Galadari Brothers recalled that Sheikh Mohamed was curious to know how long it took to put together the artwork. “That shows the straightforward and unassuming nature of his leadership.
I’m 100 per cent sure that His Highness will take our country to greater heights.”
Abdelsalam, who is from Egypt, says he will always cherish the hug he received from the “dear leader”.
“He is such a simple person. I vividly recollect that he was overjoyed with the portrait. He gave me a hug, pulled me over to his side, put his hand on my shoulder and posed for a photograph with me. I was floored.
“He also asked me where I was from. When I said Egypt, he began telling me about the four years he lived in Egypt. I have seen politicians from all over the world, but rarely have I seen someone so simple and down to earth,” Abdelsalam added.
‘His majlis is always open’
For Emirati Hamad Al Hosani, chief corporate officer at Burjeel group, Sheikh Mohamed is an epitome of simplicity and grace. “I regularly attend his majlis,” he said. “He’s one of the finest leaders in the world. We have seen a lot of changes in the country ever since he became the Crown Prince. He cares deeply for the Emiratis. If anyone approaches him with any problem — whether it’s about loans for building homes or treatment for an illness — he will make sure that it’s taken care of. He always tells us that his majlis is always open for us if we have any kind of issues.
“Where will you find a leader who is so passionate about his own people?” he asked.
Al Hosani pointed out that the new President has negotiated peaceful relations with almost every country in the region.
“He has promoted the UAE’S standing as a tolerant country,” he added.
‘I am in awe of his humility’
The charismatic leader’s compassion and care for people is not limited to Emiratis alone.
Adeeb Ahmed, an expatriate and the managing director of Abu Dhabi-based Lulu Financial Holdings and Twenty14 Holdings, said: “Over the years, I have been privileged to meet His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on several occasions, and every time, I have been left in awe of his humility and compassion.
“He imbibes all the traits that we have come to expect from a great leader, is a good listener, and has faith in the immense potential of the UAE and its people to become an icon of hope, both regionally and internationally.”
Adeeb also pointed out how Sheikh Mohamed always led from the front during challenging times.
“Whether it be in diversifying the economy, or introducing welfare measures for citizens and residents, or bringing in women and child-friendly policies to make the UAE one of the world’s best destinations to live and work, he has been an active participant and witness to the nation’s amazing transformation. Above all, he enjoys immense respect among world leaders and is a statesman par excellence.”
Adeeb is hopeful for the future. “As he takes on the mantle as the UAE’S third President, the roadmap of growth ahead of him is one he has helped architect and design. This, coupled with his fond love for the people of the UAE, is a testament to the fact that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will continue to be an inspiration for millions of people in the Arab world and beyond,” he added.
As we were waiting for him, his car pulled up and I saw that he himself was driving it. I was expecting a driver to be with him. That shows the unassuming nature of his leadership” Mohammed Galadari, Co-chairman of Galadari Brothers
‘He greets everyone in a room’
Mohammed Shad, an expatriate, has met Sheikh Mohamed several times at public events.
“The first time I met him was at a wedding. I was accompanying my boss to the event and Sheikh Mohamed was one of the invitees there. When he came, he went around the room shaking hands with everyone and greeting them. For a couple of minutes, I was dumbstruck.
“He is someone I have huge respect for. To be in the same room as him was so amazing. Then he came to me, shook hands with me, looked me in my eye and spoke to me,” he recalled. “If I hadn’t known who he was, I would have never guessed that he was the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. He has no airs. He is such a simple man. I consider myself lucky that I live in a country led by him,” he said.