Al Gergawi: Best tribute to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is continuing the work

Al Gergawi: Best tribute to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is continuing the work

His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Chairman of the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development, declared during the opening session of the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum that the most meaningful tribute to the leader who transformed Dubai is to continue the work he started and preserve what he built.

Speaking before 1,000 leaders from Dubai's government and private sectors, Al Gergawi emphasised that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has not only reshaped Dubai but also restored the region's confidence in its ability to compete on the global stage.

The best way to thank a leader who has dedicated his life to work is to continue that work, preserve what he has built and carry forward the responsibility he entrusted to his team. We will remain as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's team always wanted us to be.

Al Gergawi described the forum as both a message of gratitude and affection from Sheikh Mohammed's team and a commitment to the future. He noted that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid recently released Letters, the second part of Life Taught Me, containing messages to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, his brothers, his people and all those entrusted with serving the nation. The book reflects on more than six decades of leadership and service.

Sheikh Mohammed writes because he believes a leader's responsibility is not only to build for people, but also to build within people. But what is our message to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid? What do we write to the leader who changed our lives?

Transforming a city and a region

Al Gergawi stressed that Sheikh Mohammed's achievements over six decades cannot be reduced to individual landmarks such as an airport, tower or single project. "He built a city and, with it, a society, a culture and a people, while establishing a model for the region," he said.

His Highness taught us how to dream and then gave us the confidence to achieve those dreams. He taught us to think globally, that ambition is not limited by resources or geography, and that people are the foundation, the mind is the resource and work is the method through which the impossible can be achieved.

Al Gergawi explained that Sheikh Mohammed raised expectations, redefined what is possible and instilled confidence in his team to pursue global leadership. At a time when many viewed the region primarily through conflict and natural resources, Sheikh Mohammed believed in its people and constructed a diversified economy encompassing trade, aviation, tourism, finance, technology and space.

Dubai transformed ideas into reality and dreams into opportunities that changed lives, becoming a model studied by cities worldwide seeking to develop their tourism, infrastructure and aviation sectors while attracting talent, Al Gergawi said.

Building an inclusive society

Al Gergawi noted that many young Arabs once looked to the West seeking a future, but Sheikh Mohammed built a city that attracts talent, companies and people from around the world through security, opportunity, respect for work and appreciation of merit.

In a world divided by conflict, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed has built a society that brings together different religions, cultures and nationalities with dignity and tolerance.

He added that Dubai offers opportunities for all and values human potential.

A governance model centered on people

Al Gergawi highlighted Sheikh Mohammed's approach to governance, describing him as a leader who remained close to the field, constantly asking questions and following up on implementation. The question that best summarised his approach was: "Are the people satisfied?"

People once said pleasing everyone is impossible, but Sheikh Mohammed taught us that public satisfaction is a goal that must be achieved.

When teams hesitated, Sheikh Mohammed's response was often: "Why not?"

This mindset transformed government operations, establishing that behind every service is a person waiting, that responsibility is a trust and that serving people is an honour. It also reinforced the belief that decisions and projects can be completed far faster than conventional expectations.

Al Gergawi said this spirit extended to the business community, private sector and younger generations, helping establish a culture centered on excellence and leadership. As a result, Dubai has become synonymous with achievement, innovation and execution.

Three decades of leadership and humanity

Reflecting on more than three decades of working closely with Sheikh Mohammed, Al Gergawi said he witnessed the leader making difficult decisions, acting boldly when others hesitated and moving decisively when others delayed.

He also spoke of Sheikh Mohammed's humanitarian side, recalling how he personally followed up on the treatment of a child unable to afford healthcare, listened to those in need and monitored humanitarian conditions in Africa. Al Gergawi shared a personal memory in which Sheikh Mohammed dedicated a signed copy of one of his books to Al Gergawi's late mother in recognition of her place in his life.

This is how I saw Sheikh Mohammed: a resolute leader, an inspiring mentor and a generous human being.

He added that many leaders attending the forum had their own experiences of opportunities, advice or support from Sheikh Mohammed that changed their lives.

A legacy of regional confidence

Al Gergawi said history will remember Sheikh Mohammed not only as the leader who built Dubai, but also as the leader who restored confidence in the people of the region and proved they could compete globally and achieve what was once considered impossible.

In his closing remarks, Al Gergawi addressed a message to Sheikh Mohammed: "You have shared with us some of what life has taught you, and today we share with you some of what you have taught us. Thank you for believing in us, raising the ceiling of our ambitions and enabling us to achieve what we once thought impossible. You have built for us a city we are proud of, a society where we feel secure about our children and a model that has inspired the world."

He renewed the pledge to preserve Sheikh Mohammed's achievements and continue the journey of progress, saying the message of Sheikh Mohammed's team is not merely one of gratitude but a commitment to the future, and that true loyalty is demonstrated by continuing the work and carrying the responsibility forward.