‘You Are the Spirit of the Nation’

A message to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed praised his leadership, compassion and commitment to future generations.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, published the personal tribute on September 6, 2026.

He addressed President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as his brother, friend and companion, reflecting on their shared journey and commitment to the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed described the UAE President as a man of principle, action and compassion who had earned international respect.

“Today, you are the spirit of the nation,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote, according to the message reported by The National.

He said national strength extends beyond infrastructure, economic growth and international achievements. It also comes from the shared confidence and unity that bring people together.

The Dubai Ruler praised Sheikh Mohamed for creating a sense of security, stability and optimism across the country. He highlighted the President’s focus on education, economic diversification, new industries and investment in younger generations.

A child’s confidence in the future

One part of the message focused on a young girl growing up in the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed described how she could travel to school safely, see the country’s achievements in space and believe she could one day make her family proud while raising the UAE flag.

He presented the child’s confidence as an example of successful leadership. When young people believe they have a secure and promising future in their country, he said, the nation has fulfilled an important responsibility.

The message also praised the UAE President’s efforts to turn international relationships into political, economic and investment partnerships that benefit the country and its people.

Carrying forward Sheikh Zayed’s legacy

Sheikh Mohammed reflected on the President’s relationship with the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

He said Sheikh Mohamed had inherited a strong nation but continued developing it rather than relying only on previous achievements.

The message highlighted work to strengthen stability, diversify the economy, expand international relationships and prepare the UAE for future industries.

Sheikh Mohammed also emphasised that the country’s goal was not simply to create wealth. The larger responsibility was to develop generations capable of creating opportunities and shaping the future.

Message appears in Sheikh Mohammed’s new book

The tribute opens Sheikh Mohammed’s newly released book, The Messages, a collection of personal reflections and letters shaped by nearly six decades of public service.

The book is presented as a continuation of his earlier work, Life Taught Me. More details about its launch were reported by < Gulf Today.

UAE President responds

President Sheikh Mohamed responded publicly to Sheikh Mohammed’s message on the same day.

He described the Dubai Ruler as his brother, friend and partner in following Sheikh Zayed’s path. He also said Sheikh Mohammed was at the foundation of every Emirati achievement.

The President called the tribute a source of honour and expressed pride in Sheikh Mohammed’s testimony.

He concluded by asking that the brotherhood and affection between them continue, and that the UAE and its people remain protected, according to the response published by Emirates 24|7.

The exchange offered a personal view of the relationship between the UAE’s leaders while reinforcing their shared focus on national unity, stability and future generations.