IT would be impossible to discuss the United Arab Emirates without mentioning the profound accomplishments of the President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who seeks to improve the nation. Sheikh Mohamed tirelessly travels throughout his country to ensure everything is functioning well and that officials are working with integrity. Rather than remaining in high offices or tall towers, Sheikh Mohamed prioritizes direct social interaction with his people, engaging with them on a personal level to understand their concerns and needs, both big and small. His leadership has brought to life many of the dreams and aspirations of the UAE’s citizens, and his greatest joy is seeing the happiness and success of his people. For this reason, we must tell him: “May Allah honor you, dear just ruler.”
Sheikh Mohamed, during my frequent visits to your assembly, I had witnessed the way people are drawn to you, eager to connect and speak with you. There is an undeniable sense of warmth and connection in your presence. Your smile refl ects not only a deep humility and reverence for the Creator, but also a clear vision of hope for the future of the youth of your nation, something that all Gulf residents are proud of. Sheikh Mohamed, I can still vividly remember a young girl, probably no more than seven or eight years old at the time, who was participating in a celebration. She tried to get your attention in an attempt to greet you, but when you did not notice her, she lowered her hand. Those who witnessed the moment were deeply moved. The next day while watching the video of the celebration, you saw what had happened to the little girl and the evident embarrassment she felt in front of everyone.
I recall the tears that fell from your eyes as you watched, and as I had hoped, you quickly mobilized the full support of the UAE’s security apparatus to track down her address. You went personally to her home to offer comfort and console her. How overjoyed she was, and how touched were her family and all the people of the UAE to see their leader set aside his busy schedule to personally reach out to a young girl.
It is your concern for your nation’s children - the younger generation before the elderly - that truly stands out. It is the humanity and ethical leadership you embody that makes you such a remarkable ruler. May Allah bless you. Sheikh Mohamed, may Allah reward you once again for you are a compassionate ruler, deeply attuned to the needs of your people, and a source of immense pride for your country. Sheikh Mohamed, I also recall your extraordinary support for the ambitious young Emirati woman who had opened a car repair shop. When photos of her reached Your Highness, you did not hesitate to request her phone number, and personally call her to offer encouragement. Her tears flowed as she received the support of a leader who genuinely cares about empowering the daughters of the Emirates in all fields.
As I later learned, Your Highness visited her workshop with no fanfare and no entourage, and just with simplicity and humility, as you always do. After that incident, how many Emirati girls have had their spirits lifted, their goals clarified, and have courageously and resolutely entered the workforce? How many workshops are now run by these inspiring Emirati women (May Allah elevate their status)? Sheikh Mohamed, welcome to Kuwait, the country of our Amir His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, who is tirelessly working to usher in a new era defined by ambition and determination, in order to restore Kuwait’s pioneering spirit.
Sheikh Mohamed, I will not hide from you the fact that when I saw what happened to that young girl on that day and how you consoled her, I was deeply moved. As I watched that moment, my eyes filled with tears, and Allah knows the sincerity of those emotions. Sheikh Mohamed, may your glory and the glory of the UAE last. May Allah have mercy on your father, who may have passed, but left behind a legacy of goodness, and with you, Your Highness, being one of its fruitful branches.
By Ahmed Al-Jarallah
Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
Email: [email protected]
