Sheikh Mohammed turns 76: 5 times Dubai Ruler went viral, won residents' hearts

Over the years, Sheikh Mohammed has led Dubai with unwavering conviction and heartfelt compassion — qualities he has consistently demonstrated through countless acts of kindness.

As the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, he has built a lasting legacy rooted in Emirati culture, all while remaining deeply attentive and appreciative of those around him. Time and again, he has shown that he is not only devoted to the well-being of citizens and residents, but also a grounded and approachable leader who cherishes time with his family.

Recommended For You

US envoy Jared Kushner in Jerusalem to press Gaza truce

Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club hosts high-stakes inaugural Golf Society League

Watch: This drone will deliver your Talabat food orders soon in UAE

$6 bn in Chad investment deals inked at UAE forum: Minister

Karan Johar over the moon as Martin Scorsese hosts Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound'

 

Today, as he turns 76, Khaleej Times looks back at just a few of the many moments where the Dubai Ruler touched hearts.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

1. When he went around town right before his birthday

When you think of a royal celebrating their birthday, what stereotypes would come to your mind? Perhaps, a lavish gathering or jetting across the world to bring in the big day.

Sheikh Mohammed, however, took many residents by surprise two years ago as he went around town — using the Metro and dining at well-loved restaurants — just ahead of his big day. Take a look at his journey in the Dubai Metro, below:

2. When he gifted an Iraqi girl a herd of horses

Sheikh Mohammed's love for horses is no surprise to anyone. His generosity, combined with his love for the animal, have often made headlines. A viral video tugged at the heartstrings of the Dubai Ruler, in which he saw a young 8-year-old girl crying uncontrollably over the demise of her favourite horse.

The girl said that her only horse had recently fallen ill and that she tried to care for it, even though the doctor had advised her to stay away.

The UAE royal then gifted her a herd of horses and ordered that a training centre be built for her.

3. When he met Kuwaiti child who loves Dubai

In 2023, Sheikh Mohammed won the hearts of a child and those around him by meeting a Kuwaiti boy who had gone viral for expressing his love for Dubai.

Badr, the young boy, earlier gave an interview to a Kuwaiti news outlet, in which he said that he wanted to visit Dubai to see the Burj Khalifa. At the time, he was actually on his way to the emirate for the Eid holidays, excited even though it would not be his first time seeing the tallest building in the world.

Take a look at the photograph below:

4. When he appreciated hard-working employees

In a moment of warm appreciation, the Dubai Ruler took to his social media platform to praise an immigration officer.

Abdullah Al Baloushi stopped a traveller in a wheelchair and asked her son kindly why she was leaving the country. When told she was leaving due to doctors' appointments, Al Baloushi apologised to the son: "Sorry, forgive me, I stopped her because I saw you bidding her farewell and wanted to let you say your goodbyes again. We wanted to ask her to pray for us and to forgive us for any shortcomings. We shall wait for her to return as soon as possible”.

The Dubai Ruler retweeted a video of a Radio Jockey talking about the incident and said, “A salute to whoever brings a smile or joy to a traveller’s heart. This is the Dubai we want."

In March, he hailed one customer service employee who works at a vehicle inspection and registration centre in Dubai's Al Qusais. The Ruler shared pictures of the "diligent young man" who was "committed to completing transactions efficiently".

He noted that customers at the centre expressed their gratitude for his "cheerful" nature and his attitude towards them.

5. When he donated to historic charitable concert

In 1985, Sheikh Mohammed provided the largest single donation to the concert — which was being held to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief.

At first, Live Aid organisers were in shock and doubted the news of the royal's generous contribution, but an official call with Sheikh Mohammed's London office confirmed the news.

The donation rekindled interest in the campaign and donors worldwide began to give money. In total, the event raised about $100 million and spawned similar events all over the world for decades afterwards.

Take a look at a picture from the massive event below:

Queen, U2, David Bowie, and Elton John performed simultaneously at London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's John F. Kennedy Stadium.

Nearly 2 billion people tuned in to watch the live stream, making it an incredibly historic event of the time.

Meher Dhanjal

meher@khaleejtimes.com

Meher Dhanjal is a Digital Journalist who breaks news first and breathes second. She loves chasing page views and finding stories that tug at readers’ heartstrings.