'Great, Generous Man': Sheikh Mohammed's Moving Tribute To Son Sheikh Hamdan

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has penned a heartfelt letter to his son, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as he marks 20 years since his appointment as Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

In the letter, Sheikh Mohammed expressed his deep pride in Sheikh Hamdan's journey, leadership and achievements, praising his close connection with the people of Dubai and the affection they hold for him. He highlighted his son's compassion, humility, courage and dedication to understanding people's needs.

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Sheikh Mohammed said he sees Sheikh Hamdan as“a great and generous man” who cares deeply for humanity, is committed to doing good, and readily embraces acts of honour and generosity. He added that Hamdan is worthy of these virtues, just as these virtues are worthy of him.

He praised Sheikh Hamdan for his close bond with his brothers and for supporting, inspiring, empowering and encouraging them to serve the people.

The Dubai Ruler described Sheikh Hamdan as“an example of a great father, a responsible son, and a loving and generous brother.”

'With your success comes greater responsibilities.'

Sheikh Mohammed told Sheikh Hamdan that his growing success brings greater responsibilities towards the nation, its young people and soldiers, as well as the duty to safeguard its borders.

He said Hamdan's responsibilities towards Dubai and its people continue to grow, extending to the emirate's sons and daughters, its economy, its competitiveness and its rising position on the global stage.

Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted Hamdan's responsibilities towards his family, including his brothers and children, noting that millions of people around the world follow his work, draw inspiration from him and place their trust in his wisdom and insight as he continues to contribute to Dubai's growth and development.

'And you are worthy of all these responsibilities, Hamdan,' Sheikh Mohammed said.

Sheikh Mohammed also shared with Sheikh Hamdan some of the lessons and wisdom he has gained over nearly six decades in governance, government and public affairs, expressing hope that these experiences would serve as guidance as Hamdan continues along his own path.

'Firmness in upholding justice brings dignity.'

He said the years had taught him that people need a ruler who listens before he rules, shows compassion before he punishes, gives before he is asked, and reaches out to people before they are forced to seek him out.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed that justice must remain at the heart of governance, saying that firmness in upholding justice brings dignity and mercy, strengthens stability and lays the foundations for prosperity. In contrast, he warned that injustice brings darkness, erodes achievements and can set entire civilisations back.

He urged Hamdan to remain vigilant against injustice, describing it as a force that never sleeps. He said the 'prayer of the oppressed rises above the clouds' with nothing standing between it and the lord of the heavens'.

Reflecting on the UAE's own foundations, Sheikh Mohammed told Hamdan that the country was built on justice among people, the protection of rights and accountability, ensuring that the powerful are held to account before the weak and those close to authority before strangers.

He emphasised that nations do not decline when justice guides their decisions, mercy defines their approach and the rule of law remains a principle from which they do not deviate.

'Trust better than thousand times living under an illusion'

Sheikh Mohammed also shared with Sheikh Hamdan another lesson shaped by his years in leadership: the importance of surrounding oneself with people who are truthful, sincere and willing to offer honest advice.

He told Hamdan that life had taught him to choose those whose words could be trusted and whose character was grounded in honesty, integrity and strength of heart.

He stressed that a person who lies does more than distort the truth; they undermine the trust placed in them, compromise the judgement of those they advise and betray the responsibility entrusted to them.

By contrast, Sheikh Mohammed said, truthful advisers provide sincere counsel, even when their words may be difficult to hear. He emphasised that honest advice may be painful in the moment but is far better than allowing a person to live under an illusion that can ultimately lead to far greater consequences.

If people look at you with their eyes, look at them with your heart'

Sheikh Mohammed told Sheikh Hamdan that one of the most important lessons of his life has been the close relationship between a ruler and his people.

He said that the closer a leader remains to the people, the stronger the foundations of stability and prosperity become, because their love is not only a source of strength for the ruler but also a source of security for the nation he serves.

He stressed that the greatest rulers are those who show the greatest compassion towards their people, pointing to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, whose deep care for their communities and close connection with the people placed them firmly in their hearts.

Sheikh Mohammed said their legacy continues to live on not simply through what they built, but through the enduring love and respect people continue to hold for them.

He urged Hamdan to carry that same spirit of closeness and compassion in his own leadership, stressing a poignant message: 'If people look at you with their eyes, look at them with your heart.'

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