An unimpossible journey of Mohammad bin Rashid

Opinion

By Ahmed Al-Jarallah

TALKS on the renaissance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) usually focus on the ambition of a man who vowed to serve his nation which he always affirms.

This man is Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid. The UAE is celebrating his jubilee in public service – when he first held his national responsibility which he shouldered impressively in terms of urbanization and human aspects.

In one of his speeches, he affirmed that the word ‘impossible’ does not exist in the Emirati dictionary. He said the only thing impossible is not to crush the impossible. Indeed, this young country crushed the impossible and transitioned into the level of advanced countries in all aspects.

The 50th anniversary of Mohammad bin Rashid’s expertise is actually a celebration for the entire Gulf region, not just the Emirates. Long ago, this man wished to see the entire Arab world at the level which his country has achieved; because he realized that benevolence prevails and successful partnership starts from reaping good fruits together with everyone.

This prompted the world to scramble towards Dubai and other emirates which have become destinations for everyone who loves peace, reassurance and success. This is why just last year, the number of passengers passing through Dubai International Airport reached about 80 million; whereas Dubai Duty Free Shop recorded a net income of about $40 billion, in addition to $50 billion oil revenue.

Based on these facts, the UAE, especially Dubai, has become a vital global port and tourism center for the past four decades as manifested in the statement of the American president during the Gulf-American Summit two years ago.

Email: ahmed@aljarallah.com

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He said: “The UAE has skyrocketed in urban development, and it managed to transform land and water into masterpieces.” This is one of many testimonies made by other countries on what the UAE achieved within a few years.

In the UAE, specifically Dubai, every Gulf national and Arab in general takes pride in walking on its streets and see the diversity of people. About 200 nationalities visit or live in peace and harmony in this country, where the law is respected and applied on everyone without prejudice.

It is important for its coming generations and the entire Arab world to adopt this unique experience of determination and persistence through

his latest autobiography titled, “My Story: 50 Stories in 50 Years.” This book contains 50 true stories, but in reality, each story has 50 stories of success, because it sprang from enthusiasm in accordance with the adage: “Fortune favors the bold.” Since the word ‘impossible’ is not part of his vocabulary, he succeeded in realizing the dream he had for the UAE and its brothers in leadership.

During the global financial crisis in 2008, some of his advisors told him to cool down until the storm passes. His response was based on the principle: “Whenever you hear artilleries being fired, start building and planting. When you hear songs of peace, start selling the fruits you have reaped.”

This tremendous effort also made the UAE an effective and powerful player in the global political arena; because it followed proper steps of openness to other cultures and societies as a whole, in addition to creating hope and striving to spread peace among nations.

Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid deserves a celebration that suits him, and for his brothers too – the UAE leaders. These are the cubs of lions that worked hard to build a solid State and achieve everlasting prosperity.

We wish more prosperity and success for the young leaders who are bound to surpass the achievements of their predecessors.