E-Paper
Sign In
'You are the spirit of the nation': Dubai Ruler sends heartwarming message to UAE President
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid addressed the UAE President as his “brother, friend and companion on life’s journey”, praising him as a wise leader and a man of principle
- PUBLISHED: Sun 6 Sept 2026, 1:43 PM UPDATED: Tue 8 Sept 2026, 1:31 PM
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has penned a heartfelt message to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, praising his leadership and the sense of safety, stability and optimism he had built across the country.
In a deeply personal message addressed to his “brother, friend and companion on life’s journey”, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reflected on Sheikh Mohamed’s leadership, describing him as a wise leader, a man of principle and a compassionate figure who has earned the respect of the world.
Recommended For You
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted his contributions to the UAE’s education system, economic development, national stability and the empowerment of its young people.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
He also reflected on Sheikh Mohamed’s relationship with the late Sheikh Zayed, his role in carrying forward the UAE’s legacy and his vision of building a nation prepared for future generations.
The safety and dreams of a child
One of the most heartfelt parts of the message focused on the everyday experience of a young child in the UAE. Sheikh Mohammed described a little girl leaving home for school feeling safe, walking through orderly streets and seeing reminders that her country has reached space and continues to aim higher.
He said that when children can dream with confidence and believe their future in the UAE will be bright, it reflects the fulfilment of the country’s leadership and its responsibility to future generations.
'Instilling confidence, security and optimism in the hearts of our children is your greatest achievement, my brother,' the Dubai Ruler said.
Education, prosperity and the future
Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted the transformation of education into a national priority, describing it as a foundation for determining the UAE’s place in the world.
Sheikh Mohammed praised the UAE President for transforming the country’s wealth into new economic sectors and future industries while building a stronger foundation for generations to come.
He also highlighted how the UAE has become more resilient, forward-looking and better equipped to navigate whatever circumstances lie ahead.
'The spirit of the nation'
Beyond infrastructure, economic growth and a thriving business landscape, Sheikh Mohammed said a country’s true strength ultimately lies in its national spirit, the force that unites people, preserves stability and inspires future generations.
He described Sheikh Mohamed as the embodiment of that spirit, saying people unite around him, move forward together and work to safeguard the nation’s future.
He said, "Hearts unite around you, people move forward behind you, and you safeguard the nation’s borders. People rally around you as one heart, one hand and one vibrant national spirit.”
Carrying forward Sheikh Zayed’s legacy
Sheikh Mohammed said history has taught him that civilisations do not decline by chance, but when they stop evolving and become content with the achievements of the past.
He said Sheikh Mohamed inherited a great nation from the late Sheikh Zayed but chose not to stand still or rest on what had already been built.
Instead, he strengthened the UAE’s stability, diversified its economy, expanded its global relationships and pushed the country towards new frontiers of knowledge, innovation and human progress.
Investing in people
The Dubai ruler said life had taught him that the greatest danger facing nations is not always the threats beyond their borders but the complacency that can quietly take root among young people when a culture of achievement gives way to a culture of entitlement.
He said Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed had understood the importance of investing in people and had taught young people that prosperity alone cannot preserve what previous generations built. Instead, discipline, seriousness, hard work and a strong sense of responsibility are essential to building and sustaining a nation.
Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE President had also instilled in young people a deeper understanding of prosperity and progress, that they are not privileges or luxuries to be taken for granted, but a responsibility and an honour that comes with building on the achievements of those who came before them.
He said Sheikh Mohamed had taught them that what they inherited from previous generations was not a reward but a trust, one they must protect, strengthen and add to before passing it on to those who come after them.
A nation's future
Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE President carries the trust of the nation’s children, their hopes and aspirations, as well as the responsibility of building a generation that will carry the UAE’s journey forward and preserve its legacy.
He added that the President carries the responsibility of shaping a future for generations yet to come, a responsibility he has remained committed to before God, history and the people.
“We bear witness that you are fulfilling it,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
He added that he and the UAE people stand with the President on this journey, which he said future generations would remember and history would record.
UAE President responds
Sheikh Mohamed later responded to a heartfelt message from the Dubai Ruler, reaffirming the deep bond between the two leaders.
"My brother, my friend, my companion on the path, the crown on my head, and my steadfast support in following the path of Zayed—Abu Rashid, every Emirati achievement has you as its foundation," Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.
“Your words are a medal on my chest, and your testimony is something I cherish deeply,” he added.
He prayed that their brotherhood and love would endure, and that they would always remain worthy of the high expectations the UAE and its people place on them.
"May God preserve you as a treasure for the Emirates," he concluded.
