When Sheikh Mohammed won hearts in surprise visits
While the Dubai Ruler is constantly pushing the emirate to new heights, he has never lost sight of the ground — here are some instances where he mingled with the public and listened to their stories
As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-president and Prime Minister of the UAE, marked 17 years as the Ruler of Dubai on Wednesday, citizens and residents highlighted how his incredible vision has created the world-class, futuristic city the emirate has become.
In Dubai, the sky was never the limit because, for Sheikh Mohammed, “the sky is only the beginning”.
While he is constantly pushing the emirate to new heights, he has never lost sight of the ground. Both Emiratis and expats would instantly recognise the three-finger salute he would give to send love and inspiration, and no one would miss his car whenever it hits the roads.
Still, some residents and tourists were luckier than most, as they were able to meet and even greet the Dubai Ruler during the several instances he surprised the public.
Sheikh Mohammed never forgets his people, both citizens and expats, and it has always shown. Here are nine times he won people's hearts in surprise visits through the years:
2013 Lunch at a university cafeteria
Students at UAE University in Al Ain were having a break when, all of a sudden, a VIP arrived to eat with them. The visit came as part of Sheikh Mohammed's efforts to ensure that the varsity was getting all they need to provide world-class education.
2016 Coming together for iftar
Sheikh Mohammed joined young recruits for Iftar at the National Service School of the Presidential Guard, taking a moment to listen to their stories and aspirations.
2016
A visit to government offices
Employees at four government offices in Dubai were shocked to find a surprise visitor coming for an inspection.
2011 Coffee, anyone?
During a drive in the desert, Sheikh Mohammed saw tourists enjoying the scenery. Showing them true Arabian hospitality, he took out a pot of Emrati coffee (gahwa) from his car and served it to them.
2011
A ride on the Dubai Metro
Encouraging residents to make the most of the city's world-class public transport, Sheikh Mohammed took a surprise Metro ride.
2017
A royal backto-school welcome
As over a million children returned to campuses on the first day of school in Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed was among those who welcomed them back as he visited several classrooms.
2008 Building a new home for an Emirati
The Dubai Ruler saw a father figure in Salem Khamis Al Kaabi, a citizen he had known for years. In fact, it was his late father Sheikh Rashid who ordered that a house be built for the Emirati and his family at Wadi Al Qoor. During the meeting in 2008, Sheikh Mohammed asked that a new home be constructed for Salem.
2018 Lending a hand
Sheikh Mohammed comes to the rescue of a family whose vehicle got stuck in the desert sand in the UAE.
2021 Epic desert journey
The Dubai Ruler greeted a group of camel trekkers who were on their way to Global Village on the last day of their 550km desert journey across the UAE.