Sheik Mohammed: A Son’s Heartfelt Tribute to His Father’s Legacy
Sheik Mohammed shared a heartfelt tribute to his father, Sheik Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum recently. His words gave an explanation about the lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy. This touching reflection appears in the ninth chapter of his forthcoming book, “Life Taught Me,” which will be published in the coming months.
His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chose UAE’s Father’s Day on June 21 to share these personal memories through a post on X. Sheik Rashid’s legacy of achievements continues to influence the nation, even 32 years after his passing. This tribute allows readers to learn about the character that shaped one of UAE’s most visionary leaders.
“I learned from my father the simplicity of life, self-control, not to be distracted by trivialities, and not to believe the weak-minded and the frivolous,” Sheik Mohammed writes, emphasizing values that have guided his governance approach. These principles of balance between kindness and firmness, accepting criticism, and maintaining self-confidence are the foundations of leadership lessons passed from father to son.
A Father’s Day Reflection
Father’s Day in the UAE set the stage for a remarkable glimpse into royal heritage. His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, shared cherished memories of his father. The celebration on June 21 in the Emirates became a heartfelt revelation about family legacy and leadership.
The occasion that inspired the tribute
Sheik Mohammed chose Father’s Day 2025 to honor how his father shaped his life and leadership style. The UAE celebrates Father’s Day on June 21, which marks summer’s first day, unlike other countries that observe it on June’s third Sunday. This unique date added extra meaning to Sheik Mohammed’s tribute.
Sheik Mohammed used his official social media platform X to share passages from a personal chapter titled “May God Have Mercy on My Father”. His children made the moment even more special. Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed, Sheik Ahmed bin Mohammed, and Sheik Mansoor bin Mohammed posted their own Father’s Day messages to him. Their actions created a beautiful picture of fatherhood across generations in Dubai’s royal family.
The celebration took on national significance as UAE President Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared his tribute to founding father Sheik Zayed. His message struck a chord with the country’s leadership.
Why this moment was chosen to share
The tribute’s timing carried special meaning beyond Father’s Day. Sheik Mohammed picked this moment because these reflections are part of his upcoming book, “Life Taught Me” (A’llamtni Al Haya), which will be published soon.
These memories appear in the book’s ninth chapter, which shows careful placement in Sheik Mohammed’s story about his life and leadership. The timing builds excitement for the full book while giving readers a meaningful preview.
Sheik Mohammed chose to share these personal memories now as part of his ongoing writing career. As an author with several books, this new work continues his dedication to sharing leadership lessons and personal experiences.
The Father’s Day tribute achieves multiple goals. It honors Sheik Rashid’s memory and shows what shaped one of the UAE’s most prominent leaders while building interest in the complete work. By sharing this on Father’s Day, Sheik Mohammed highlights how father-son relationships mold leadership values through generations.
The tribute weaves together personal memories and public leadership. It demonstrates how family values shape governance principles. Through his Father’s Day message, Sheik Mohammed helps readers understand his father’s lasting influence on his approach to leadership, family, and national progress.
The Character of Sheik Rashid bin Saeed
Sheik Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s character shows extraordinary leadership rooted in humility throughout UAE’s history. His son, His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, paints a picture of a man whose personal qualities matched his public achievements.
Simplicity and humility in daily life
Foreign visitors were often surprised by Sheik Rashid’s exceptional simplicity. Sheik Mohammed remembers, “My father did not like a lot of food, or a lot of talking or a lot of buildings and palaces. Rather, he tended towards simplicity, lightness and self-control”. This modest approach pervaded every part of his life.
Sheik Rashid felt at home both in palaces and the desert. He never lost touch with everyday life during his leadership. You’d find him walking through town after Fajr prayers, greeting everyone he met along the way. This showed how much he wanted to stay connected with the people he served.
His commitment to being accessible showed in his daily routine. He managed to keep an open majlis four times daily, where citizens and foreign residents could speak freely. Back in the 1950s and early 1960s, he watched over creek operations from his office building. He even installed a retainer to watch ships unload through a mirrored window. This hands-on approach showed how much he cared about understanding his emirate’s daily operations.
Calmness and emotional control
Sheik Rashid’s emotional control set him apart. Sheik Mohammed says, “My father was rarely angry or emotional. He was well-intentioned and gentle, and he did not like deception. He did not panic or fear anything, but was steadfast, confident, and calm”. His steady nature built trust and stability.
People naturally respected his dignified presence. Sheik Rashid’s influence came from his composure and thoughtfulness, not from shows of power. While others might act hastily, he stayed calm when making decisions.
During majlis sessions, he listened to each person’s concerns patiently and made sure everyone got proper help. This patience showed in how he governed too. He never rushed to judge. Instead, he took time to think, reflect, ask questions, and get advice before deciding.
Respect for all, whatever their status
Sheik Rashid treated everyone with respect, no matter who they were. Sheik Mohammed points out, “He never looked down on anyone or acted superior to anyone”. This deep respect became the life-blood of his leadership style and personal relationships.
His majlis welcomed everyone. Projects came to life as people discussed and shaped them during these gatherings. Sheik Rashid listened to views from wealthy pearling family representatives and simple fishermen alike.
He championed “enterprise, hard work, innovation and respect for the other without discrimination based on race, religion or class”. His support for religious tolerance helped create Dubai’s tradition of multicultural coexistence.
Sheik Rashid’s qualities of simplicity, emotional control, and universal respect created more than just policies. He set an example that would shape his son, Sheik Mohammed, and Dubai’s future path.
Lessons in Leadership from a Father
“An easy life does not make men, nor does it build nations. Challenges make men, and it is these men who build nations.” — Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai
Sheik Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and his son’s relationship teaches us valuable lessons about good governance. His son Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shares leadership principles that surpass time and shape Dubai’s growth today.
Listening before acting
The life-blood of Sheik Rashid’s leadership rested on getting the full picture before taking action. His majlis wasn’t just a traditional gathering – it became a lively forum where different opinions thrived and projects received careful analysis. Sheik Rashid took his duties seriously and listened patiently to every point of view.
A leadership study on founding UAE figures notes, “The role of the Sheik was to make final decisions after listening to all people around him.” This thoughtful approach helped emerging leaders learn charisma through observation. Sheik Rashid’s majlis welcomed everyone, whatever their status. Both influential pearling families and simple fishermen found space to voice their concerns.
Balancing kindness with firmness
“I learned from him to listen, when to be strict and when to be lenient,” Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid acknowledges directly in his tribute. This balance between compassion and authority became a vital lesson in his leadership journey.
Sheik Mohammed explains further, “I learned from my father to accept criticism and to have self-confidence, and to strike a balance between kindness toward people and the dignity and firmness that my position requires.” His father understood that good leadership needs both warmth and strength – neither one should overpower the other.
Avoiding favoritism and flattery
Sheik Rashid managed to keep clear professional boundaries throughout his leadership. “My father was calm and firm. He was not swayed by praise or cheering, nor was he fooled by flattery,” Sheik Mohammed remembers. This unwavering commitment to fairness protected his decisions from outside influence.
Sheik Rashid “did not favor his friends by assigning them government responsibilities, nor did he befriend those who worked with him as officials.” He promoted relationships built on “trust, respect, and accountability.” This professional distance let him assess performance fairly without personal ties affecting his judgment.
His wise delegation of duties showed true leadership wisdom. To name just one example, he recognized his son Mohammed’s intelligence and decisiveness and put him in charge of key projects like Dubai’s international airport steering committee. This approach channeled individual strengths toward shared goals effectively.
Family, Faith, and Moral Compass
Image Source: The Maritime Standard
Sheik Rashid’s lasting legacy stems from his steadfast dedication to family values and spiritual principles that guided his personal life and leadership philosophy. Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s heartfelt reflections give us a glimpse into the moral foundations that helped shape one of the UAE’s leaders who reshaped the scene.
Love for family and siblings
“I learnt from my father to love my family, relatives, brothers and to be close to my sisters … and I still do,” Sheik Mohammed recalls warmly. This deep appreciation for family bonds stayed with Sheik Rashid throughout his life. His marriage to Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, daughter of Sheik Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan who ruled Abu Dhabi from 1912-1922, created a strong family foundation. The couple raised nine children—four sons and five daughters—building a legacy of tight-knit family relationships.
Sheik Rashid’s early years were shaped by strong family influences, especially his mother, Sheikha Hessa Bint Al Mur Bin Hureiz Al Falasi. People knew her as the “Mother of Dubai,” and her resolute character, strong will, and philanthropy substantially influenced her son’s personality.
Commitment to justice and honesty
“I learned from him to love honesty and justice,” Sheik Mohammed states with conviction. Sheik Rashid showed integrity consistently in his leadership. His approach to governance reflected these principles as he managed to keep honest relationships built on “trust, respect, and accountability.”
Respect for scholars and religious leaders
Sheik Rashid “was fond of spending time with merchants and market people, and he had a great deal of respect for religious people.” Religious scholars were welcome in his majlis, though he could recognize “those who claimed to be scholars” from authentic spiritual leaders.
Sheik Rashid lived “according to God’s laws” and made religious tolerance the life-blood of Dubai’s identity. His “abiding belief in religious tolerance and respect for other’s beliefs formed the bedrock of Dubai’s enduring tradition of coexistence and harmony of its multicultural population.” This spiritual foundation drove his generous nature, as “he was always very fond of doing good deeds. He was generous and honest. He was a person of integrity.”
Legacy That Shaped a Nation
“The race for excellence has no finish line.” — Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai
Dubai’s transformation from a modest trading port into a global metropolis started with Sheik Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s visionary leadership. His legacy shapes the emirate’s path today.
Influence on Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid’s governance
Sheik Mohammed’s governance philosophy mirrors his father’s practical approach to development and diversification. Dubai grew remarkably under Sheik Rashid’s guidance. The population jumped from 59,000 in 1968 to over 278,000 by 1980. This bold yet calculated growth created a blueprint that Sheik Mohammed would later build upon.
A defining moment in their leadership bond came during the early 1980s. Sheik Mohammed showed his comprehensive “Destination Dubai” tourism plans to his ailing father. Sheik Rashid approved the entire package with just one word “namus” (fine). This moment proved both his trust in his son’s vision and their shared understanding of Dubai’s potential.
Support for youth and talent
Sheik Rashid knew how to spot and nurture talent. He watched young people with promise and backed those who showed business sense or administrative skills. This talent development approach became the life-blood of Sheik Mohammed’s leadership style.
Sheik Mohammed turned his father’s personal approach into systematic nation-building. He created the UAE National Agenda for Youth to boost youth participation in economic growth. Youth councils now exist within ministries and international bodies. These groups study global best practices and show how talent development has progressed from individual mentoring to nationwide programs.
Visionary thinking and decision-making
Sheik Rashid put forward-thinking development plans in place before oil money started flowing. He hired British consulting company John Harris to create the Gulf’s first well-laid-out town plan – a groundbreaking idea then. His choice to set up private water and electricity companies early on showed his practical approach to building strong infrastructure.
Sheik Rashid’s ambitious vision shone through the Dubai World Trade Center – the Middle East’s tallest building when it opened in 1979. He started developing Dubai’s aviation infrastructure with the first flights landing in 1961. An asphalt runway followed in 1965. These steps laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s busiest travel hubs under Sheik Mohammed’s leadership.
Sheik Mohammed carries forward this mix of bold planning and practical execution. He continues to revolutionize Dubai into a global model of detailed development and prosperity.
Sheik Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s influence goes way beyond turning Dubai into a global metropolis. Sheik Mohammed’s heartfelt tribute gives us a rare look at the values that built not just skyscrapers but a lasting leadership legacy.
Without doubt, family bonds were at the heart of this special father-son relationship. Sheik Rashid’s focus on simplicity, emotional balance, and genuine respect for everyone shaped how he led. These qualities became the foundation of Sheik Mohammed’s own leadership style as he carries his father’s vision forward.
The leadership lessons from father to son include practical wisdom about listening before acting, finding the right balance between kindness and firmness, and staying true to oneself. These principles exceed time and remain just as relevant in today’s complex world as they were during Sheik Rashid’s time.
Sheik Rashid’s moral compass still guides Dubai’s development, even 32 years after his passing. His steadfast dedication to justice, honesty, and respect for different viewpoints created the foundations for a multicultural society where tolerance thrives. His forward-thinking approach to building strong infrastructure and diversifying the economy put Dubai on its amazing path.
Sheik Mohammed chose to share these personal memories on Father’s Day 2025 for more than just family tribute. It helps us understand the leadership continuity that revolutionized a modest trading port into a global hub for commerce, tourism, and innovation. The upcoming book “Life Taught Me” will definitely give readers a detailed understanding of how personal values shape public leadership.
Sheik Mohammed’s tribute shows how wisdom passed between generations can shape nations. The qualities that made Sheik Rashid an amazing father – patience, good judgment, moral integrity – also made him an exceptional ruler. His legacy lives on through Dubai’s spectacular skyline and through the governance principles his son follows today.
The story of Sheik Rashid and Sheik Mohammed shows leadership based on real values rather than just ambition. Their relationship reveals how true change starts with character development before showing up as national progress. This father’s lasting gift to his son benefits everyone who’s part of Dubai’s amazing experience – a powerful reminder that visionary leadership begins with personal integrity.
