Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and has been the man who has been integral to the Emirate of Dubai’s transformation and progression.
The ruler has written books and speeches in which he also provides wisdom and inspiration. To celebrate his 70th birthday which takes place on July 15th, we’ve highlighted just the quotes that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.
On His Belief in Women
“Our job is to provide an environment that unlocks women’s potential – one that protects their dignity and femininity, helps them create the necessary balance in their lives, and values their talents and potential. Given this environment, I am confident that women will perform nothing short of miracles.”
A Short Note on the UAE
“What makes us proud of our nation is not the height of our buildings, the breadth of our streets, or the magnitude of our shopping malls, but rather the openness and tolerance of our nation. Our pride stems from the fact that we are a country where everyone thrives equally regardless of their differences.”
Making the Impossible, Possible
“We, in the UAE, have no such word as “impossible”; it does not exist in our lexicon. Such a word is used by the lazy and the weak, who fear challenges and progress. When one doubts his potential and capabilities as well as his confidence, he will lose the compass that leads him to success and excellence, thus failing to achieve his goal. I require you, youth, to insist on number one.”
Less Is More When It Comes to Happiness
“I live a simple life, my life away from leadership is very simple. I wake up early, clean up and pray. I have breakfast with my family. Sometimes I visit my friends, have a cup of coffee, or visit shopping malls and have lunch at a restaurant one of them recommends and see people. This simple life makes me happy.”
On Being Lazy Never Being an Option
“I don’t like to see someone who does not have a hobby, sport or passion in life. Idleness is not only an attitude towards work; it starts with the mind.”
On Tolerance Being the Fabric of Society
“Tolerance is no catchphrase, but a quality we must cherish and practice. It must be woven into the fabric of our society to safeguard our future and maintain the progress we have made.”
Inspiring Everyone To Dream Bigger
“Everybody starts small. We all begin life as a single cell. Every business starts as one person with an idea. How fast you go, how far you get, is in your hands. The bigger your vision, the bigger your achievement will be. Will you stumble on the way? Perhaps, but we cannot let fear keep us small. We have to be brave to be big.”
