Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai ruler, celebrates accession day

ISLAMABAD: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, celebrated his Accession Day on Saturday in a remarkable way by dedicating the occasion to his esteemed wife, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum.

In a heartfelt tribute, he referred to her as “the most beautiful thing” in his life, his “greatest supporter,” the “soul of Dubai,” his “companion and benefactor in life,” and the “mother of Sheikhs”.

Nineteen years ago, on January 4, 2006, Sheikh Mohammed became the ruler of Dubai. For the humble leader, however, January 4 is not about himself. This year, in a touching gesture, he chose to honour his wife for her unwavering support and generosity.

“Sheikha Hind is one of the most compassionate, generous, and charitable people. She is the pillar of my home, the foundation of my family, and my greatest supporter throughout my career,” Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said.

He expressed deep gratitude for his wife and prayed for God to “keep their love” alive. “My biggest wish, Hind, is that God protects you, makes you happy … You are the beginning of life and the most beautiful thing in it. You are the soul of Dubai, its pulse, and its joy,” he wrote. Known for his love of poetry, Sheikh Mohammed shared an emotional Arabic poem dedicated to Sheikha Hind. “There’s no one like you to me,” the poem read. “No matter what happens, you will always remain the same, the most precious of humans.” It continued: “You are my first dream; the letters of your name have a secret in my heart.”

Concluding his tribute, Sheikh Mohammed called on everyone to remain loyal to those who deserve it, saying, “Loyalty to our companion on the path … and our support in this life.”

A video accompanying the tribute was shared on his official Instagram handle, dedicating the day to Sheikha Hind. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated his admiration, describing Sheikha Hind as the heart of their home, the bedrock of their family, and the guiding star of his professional journey.

The video, featuring beautiful scenes, has gone viral globally.

As part of his tribute, Sheikh Mohammed also announced the “Thank You Sheikha Hind” campaign to honour her remarkable achievements. The campaign highlights her generosity, her promotion of Emirati family values, her efforts to enhance social unity, and her support for parents in raising their children. Her leadership in various initiatives has positively impacted the lives of millions.