Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has written a heartfelt letter to his son, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, praising his character, leadership and dedication to the people of Dubai.
The letter comes as Sheikh Hamdan prepares to mark 20 years since his appointment as Chairman of Dubai’s Executive Council.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed his deep pride in his son’s journey and achievements, highlighting his close relationship with the people of Dubai and the affection they have for him.
He praised Sheikh Hamdan’s compassion, humility, courage and commitment to understanding people’s needs, describing him as a “great and generous man” who cares deeply about humanity and is committed to doing good.
A Leader With Greater Responsibilities
Sheikh Mohammed said Sheikh Hamdan’s growing success also brings greater responsibilities towards the nation, its young people and its soldiers, as well as the duty to protect the country’s borders.
His responsibilities towards Dubai and its people, he said, extend to the emirate’s citizens, its economy, competitiveness and growing position on the global stage.
Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted Sheikh Hamdan’s responsibilities towards his family, including his brothers and children, noting that millions of people around the world follow his work and draw inspiration from his leadership.
“And you are worthy of all these responsibilities, Hamdan,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
He also shared lessons and wisdom gained from nearly six decades of experience in governance, government and public affairs, hoping they would guide Sheikh Hamdan throughout his own leadership journey.
Justice at the Heart of Leadership
Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the importance of justice in governance, saying leaders must listen to people before ruling, show compassion before punishment and reach out to people before they are forced to seek help.
He stressed that justice brings dignity, strengthens stability and creates the foundations for prosperity, while injustice can undermine achievements and set societies and civilisations backwards.
He urged Sheikh Hamdan to remain vigilant against injustice, describing it as a force that never sleeps.
Reflecting on the UAE’s own foundations, Sheikh Mohammed said the country was built on justice, protection of rights and accountability, with the powerful held accountable just as the weak are protected.
The Importance of Honest Advisers
Another lesson Sheikh Mohammed shared was the importance of surrounding oneself with people who are truthful, sincere and willing to give honest advice.
He advised Sheikh Hamdan to choose people whose words can be trusted and whose character is based on honesty, integrity and courage.
According to Sheikh Mohammed, dishonest advisers can undermine trust and affect the judgement of those they advise, while truthful advisers are willing to offer sincere guidance even when their words may be difficult to hear.
He said honest advice may be painful at times, but it is far better than allowing someone to live under an illusion that could eventually lead to more serious consequences.
‘Look at Them With Your Heart’
Sheikh Mohammed also reflected on the importance of maintaining a close relationship between a leader and the people.
He said the closer a ruler remains to the people, the stronger the foundations of stability and prosperity become, as their love provides strength to the leader and security to the nation.
He pointed to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, saying their compassion and close connection with their communities earned them a lasting place in the hearts of the people.
Their legacy, he said, continues not only through what they built but also through the love and respect people continue to hold for them.
Sheikh Mohammed urged Sheikh Hamdan to carry the same spirit of closeness and compassion into his leadership.
He concluded with a poignant message:
“If people look at you with their eyes, look at them with your heart.”
