E-Paper
Sign In
Rare story: How Sheikh Mohammed reacted to error ahead of Dubai Tram launch
The mistake occurred ahead of the inauguration of the Dubai Tram in 2014
- PUBLISHED: Sat 31 Jan 2026, 10:00 AM
- By:
- Yasmin Hussein
- Share:
How do we define a great leader? Some point to meeting deadlines or delivering steady profits. Others value leaders who inspire and encourage their teams—even when mistakes are made.
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is among the latter.
Recommended For You
A behind-the-scenes story shared by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), illustrates how the royal, who also serves as UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, responded to an error that was discovered ahead of launching one of the emirate's major transport projects, the Dubai Tram.
During a session titled “Leadership from the Field”, Al Tayer recounted how, on August 9, 2014, he went to the tram on his weekend to conduct checks ahead of its inauguration, which would be attended by Sheikhs later that year.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
While there, Al Tayer received a phone call notifying him that Sheikh Mohammed would visit the site within two days. During his inspection, he discovered a significant issue—an embarrassing situation for such a high-profile visit.
“I was not shy,” Al Tayer said. “I told him: there is a mistake. We made a mistake, and we discovered it during the trial phases.” A video of his account was shared by the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development.
'Say we learned'
Sheikh Mohammed’s first reaction was simple: "What is the mistake?" Al Tayer explained that the women and children’s carriage had been placed in the middle of the tram, rather than at the end. “I told him this is a big mistake. We have to make changes and place it at the end,” he recalled.
In front of those attending the discussion, Sheikh Mohammed responded: “You did not make a mistake. You learned. Don’t say we made a mistake—say we learned.”
The women and children’s carriage was subsequently relocated to the end of the Dubai Tram, turning the episode into a lesson not only in operational problem-solving, but also in leadership and accountability.
The Dubai Tram officially started operations on November 11, 2014. The tram service links Dubai Metro and the Palm Monorail and runs along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road.
Yasmin Hussein is an Assistant Digital Editor who believes that every news story carries a human element. Her motto is 'get it first, but first get it right'.
