Today, 15 July, we’re celebrating His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai’s 69th birthday. As the ruler of Dubai, His Highhness Sheikh Mohammed has proved himself a compassionate leader, a visionary and a family man - a few of the many reasons he is so loved among the people. In honour of his birthday, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite quotes, said by His Highness, that continue to inspire us.
Driving the UAE to greatness
“Dubai will never settle for anything less than first place.”
“The race for excellence has no finish line.”
“To take risk and fail is not a failure. Real failure is to fear taking any risk”
“I will never abandon one opportunity and wait for another. We have not reached the goal we are striving for. What you see now is nothing compared to our vision…just tiny parts of what lies ahead.”
A great leader
“Good leadership puts the interests of the community as a whole before those of any specific group. Credibility of leadership can only be established through action and not words.”
“There is a world of difference between a leadership that is based on love and respect, and one that is based on fear.”
“Change or you will be changed: leaders who neglect the good of their people will be forsaken. Leadership is a service, not a gateway to privilege.”
A humble man
“An easy life does not make men, nor does it build nations. Challenges make men, and it is these men who build nations.”
“Simplicity starts in the heart, away from negativity and pessimism.”
“It is such a beautiful life, but many people spend it worrying, burdened and frowning. You can easily see the beauty of life in the laughter of a child, the tenderness of a mother, the smile of a friend or the love of a compassionate wife.”