Dubai: The UAE Journalists Association organised the second session of its monthly initiative, ‘Majlis Al Rowad’, under the title “A Reading of the Book Al Rasael by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid”, at its headquarters in Dubai.

The session was attended by Fadheela Al Muaini, Chairperson of the UAE Journalists Association, along with members of the association and media professionals. The discussion was moderated by Safiya Al Shehhi, Director of the Corporate Communication Excellence Department at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

The session witnessed active participation, with engaging discussions on selected passages and key ideas from Al Rasael, authored by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The book reflects nearly six decades of his distinguished leadership and administrative experience.

The discussions explored the humanitarian and leadership qualities of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, highlighting his role as a father, leader and mentor, his commitment to achieving the best for Dubai, the UAE and the Arab world, and his passion for horse riding, knowledge and continuous achievement.

Participants also discussed Dubai’s position as a global destination for major initiatives, international conferences and humanitarian projects, drawing inspiration from the leadership vision outlined in the book.

A Vision Without Limits

At the beginning of the discussion, Safiya Al Shehhi recalled an incident that reflected Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s ambitious vision for Dubai’s development.

When a journalist once asked him what percentage of Dubai’s ambitions and achievements had been accomplished, he confidently replied, “10 per cent”. Ten years later, when the same journalist repeated the question, his answer was “7 per cent”.

The response highlighted that despite Dubai’s remarkable achievements, much more remained to be accomplished, reflecting a vision of continuous excellence and an unwavering ambition to remain number one.

Key Leadership Values Highlighted

The session explored several important leadership principles and philosophies presented in the book, including:

Preserving Impact Beyond Lifespan: Sheikh Mohammed emphasises that “lives may come to an end, but ideas grow and remain”. A person's true value lies in the lasting impact and achievements they leave behind for future generations.

Positions as Responsibilities, Not Privileges: The book highlights the difference between individuals who seek positions for status, authority and privileges and those who consider leadership roles a responsibility and a commitment to serving people. Positions of authority are described as a true test of conscience rather than a symbol of social prestige.

Management Through Field Experience: The book stresses the importance of practical leadership, direct engagement on the ground, swift decision-making and a culture of excellence. Governments, it emphasises, exist to serve people, improve their quality of life and ensure their happiness.

Investing in People and Future Generations: Sheikh Mohammed's leadership philosophy places human development at the heart of nation-building. It highlights investment in knowledge, talent and creativity, while nurturing young people and families through strong values, integrity and positive role models.

Creating Hope and Turning Challenges into Opportunities: The book conveys an optimistic vision, emphasising that successful nations create their own opportunities for progress and transform challenges into motivation for greater achievements.

Special Messages for the Media Sector

The session also focused on the messages addressed to the media industry in the book.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid highlights the media as one of the most influential tools in shaping awareness and public opinion. A responsible journalist, he emphasises, must understand the importance of every word and its potential impact on society.

Participants noted that words have the power to build bridges, spread hope and promote optimism, but can also create divisions and deepen wounds. Journalists therefore carry an important ethical and professional responsibility to raise public awareness, strengthen trust and social cohesion, and avoid superficial reporting and content that fuels conflicts and divisions.

A Tribute to the Legacy of Sheikh Zayed

The session also paid tribute to the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Participants recalled a heartfelt message from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to Sheikh Zayed: “My message to you, my father Zayed: The UAE has grown, yet it still resembles you.”

The message reflects Sheikh Mohammed's deep respect and gratitude towards the Founding Father and highlights the continued influence of Sheikh Zayed's values and vision in the UAE's development.

It also reaffirms the importance of preserving the principles of love for the UAE, humanity, compassion and justice, and passing these values on to future generations.

The session concluded by highlighting the enduring relevance of the leadership principles in Al Rasael, particularly the importance of serving people, building future generations, embracing innovation and pursuing excellence as a continuous journey.