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Flashes of Thought: Lessons in Life and Leadership from the Man Behind Dubai
If you thought it was worth hearing the insights of a man at the head of a major corporation or who has turned around a disaster-prone technology company, here's a new level. This book is packed with ideas for governance, leadership and life from the man behind the city that's home to the world's tallest tower, largest mall and two million people from 220 nationalities - backed by the world's busiest airport and the biggest manmade seaport on earth. This is Dubai and its ruler, Sheikh Mohammed. And these are his inspirations for leadership and success.
Available for the first time in an updated and refreshed Pocket Edition, Sheikh Mohammed shares the many important ideas which not only sit at the heart of his vision for his nation but are also central to the wellbeing of society and personal happiness. By bringing together these unique experiences, ideas and thoughts, Flashes of Thought offers a compelling routemap and blueprint for professional and personal fulfilment.
Available for the first time in an updated and refreshed Pocket Edition, Sheikh Mohammed shares the many important ideas which not only sit at the heart of his vision for his nation but are also central to the wellbeing of society and personal happiness. By bringing together these unique experiences, ideas and thoughts, Flashes of Thought offers a compelling routemap and blueprint for professional and personal fulfilment.
- GenresNonfictionLeadership
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
133 people are currently reading
1507 people want to read
About the author
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
12 books206 followersمحمد بن راشد آل مكتوم
Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and absolute monarch of Dubai.
During Al Maktoum's rule of Dubai, he invested billions in the tourism industry and business, to limit the country's independence on oil intrests.
Al Maktoum is also known as a poet, he started to send his poems anonymously to UAE newspapers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 7, 2018
Presenting a collection of great ideas and thoughts by Leader of Dubai in 36 chapters.
Author’s thoughts:
• Chapter 1: priority of Government is to achieve the happiness of its people.
• Chapter 2: Government to be closer to its people hence to provide its services faster, better and more approachable.
• Chapter 3 & 4: Positive energy is contagious and being positive and optimism will help people to take up challenges in life. Empowerment, education and Emiratisation are author’s development priorities.
• Chapter 5: People should be proud of their language and their heritage.
• Chapter 6: The motive behind building the tallest building in the world; Burj Khalifa is a national accomplishment. Dare to dream and the future will be yours.
• Chapter 7: Uniting heart and spirit before uniting efforts is the success of their union.
• Chapter 8 & 9: Simplicity, believing in yourself and removing the word “impossible” from your goal are the key to success.
• Chapter 10 & 11: Women as well have a great role in leading the country; they should participate in making decisions. Every leader should have a passion in life such as Poetry, horse riding; to add depth and uniqueness to his leadership.
• Chapter 12 & 13: Knowledge and training are the shortest path to victory. Trust in yourself and God and stay optimism.
• Chapter 14: having a role model in your life will lead you to a better leader.
• Chapter 15: Time management is important but investing our time in ourselves, family and society is more important.
• Chapter 16 & 17: Arab Spring and Investment; achieving stability by helping others and building stable foundation by developing a model for sustainable model.
• Chapter 18: Employees have to be empowered as a source of innovation. According to their creative contributions, employees should be rewarded by their institutions.
• Chapter 19: U.A.E Vision of 2021 built on; education, world class healthcare system, human development, competitive knowledge economy, safe and secure nation, sustainable environment and integrated infrastructure.
• Chapter 20 & 21: Life is full of risks but greatest of all is to take any risk.
• Chapter 22 & 23: Impossible is a word that is used by people who fear to dream big. Without a vision to guide their path and without a limitless ambition, people will never build a bright future for generations to come.
• Chapter 24: You can forgive a person who makes a mistake but can’t excuse a person who does not make an effort.
• Chapter 25 & 26: Accession day and U.A.E’s success; Transforming national occasion into interactive social experience has turned to be a great success. The road of success is still on.
• Chapter 27 & 28: Aid to the world is another way to achieve a vision and deliver expectations of people but the development of government is possible only through the development of its workforce.
• Chapter 29 & 30: empowering a person to achieve is the first and best key to motivate a person toward a better performance. Employees are part of the society and it is necessary to ensure their happiness; the job of Government is to make sure their people are happy.
• Chapter 31& 32: People should not wait for tomorrow, they need to build their future; Today. Time is gold and they have to value and use it properly (time management). Launching family-tourism has made U.A.E to become a destination for family tourism all year around.
• Chapter 33 & 34: Redefining leadership and Cabinet reshuffle; leadership is not granted by birth and not guaranteed by best education. People need to work on themselves and expand their knowledge; if they are ambitious and they have the will to change themselves and desires to change their society. Every achievement and change will bring you toward a better leader.
• Chapter 35 & 36: Importance of horses for Emirati people, and to sound leader in sound body.
My thought:
It is true that a leader needs to sharpen his thoughts, decisions and most of all his wisdom to lead and guide his country, so that his nation can have a decent life and achieve success at the highest level, but we must know that ;
The nation can be defined as a great human unit created during historical evolution and based on the foundation of the sharing of land and economy, and national history and culture. The link between that culture and common awareness is the factor behind it. From this bond, the feeling of belonging to each other and the feeling of unity among those belonging to that unit are created.
The Ethnic distribution in United Arab Emirates is 19% Emiratis, 23% Arabs and Iranians, 50% South Asians, 8% others.
Happiness of a nation means happiness of each individual in that country therefore everyone should make the effort and everyone should be appreciated; not only a certain group!
3.5/5*
Author’s thoughts:
• Chapter 1: priority of Government is to achieve the happiness of its people.
• Chapter 2: Government to be closer to its people hence to provide its services faster, better and more approachable.
• Chapter 3 & 4: Positive energy is contagious and being positive and optimism will help people to take up challenges in life. Empowerment, education and Emiratisation are author’s development priorities.
• Chapter 5: People should be proud of their language and their heritage.
• Chapter 6: The motive behind building the tallest building in the world; Burj Khalifa is a national accomplishment. Dare to dream and the future will be yours.
• Chapter 7: Uniting heart and spirit before uniting efforts is the success of their union.
• Chapter 8 & 9: Simplicity, believing in yourself and removing the word “impossible” from your goal are the key to success.
• Chapter 10 & 11: Women as well have a great role in leading the country; they should participate in making decisions. Every leader should have a passion in life such as Poetry, horse riding; to add depth and uniqueness to his leadership.
• Chapter 12 & 13: Knowledge and training are the shortest path to victory. Trust in yourself and God and stay optimism.
• Chapter 14: having a role model in your life will lead you to a better leader.
• Chapter 15: Time management is important but investing our time in ourselves, family and society is more important.
• Chapter 16 & 17: Arab Spring and Investment; achieving stability by helping others and building stable foundation by developing a model for sustainable model.
• Chapter 18: Employees have to be empowered as a source of innovation. According to their creative contributions, employees should be rewarded by their institutions.
• Chapter 19: U.A.E Vision of 2021 built on; education, world class healthcare system, human development, competitive knowledge economy, safe and secure nation, sustainable environment and integrated infrastructure.
• Chapter 20 & 21: Life is full of risks but greatest of all is to take any risk.
• Chapter 22 & 23: Impossible is a word that is used by people who fear to dream big. Without a vision to guide their path and without a limitless ambition, people will never build a bright future for generations to come.
• Chapter 24: You can forgive a person who makes a mistake but can’t excuse a person who does not make an effort.
• Chapter 25 & 26: Accession day and U.A.E’s success; Transforming national occasion into interactive social experience has turned to be a great success. The road of success is still on.
• Chapter 27 & 28: Aid to the world is another way to achieve a vision and deliver expectations of people but the development of government is possible only through the development of its workforce.
• Chapter 29 & 30: empowering a person to achieve is the first and best key to motivate a person toward a better performance. Employees are part of the society and it is necessary to ensure their happiness; the job of Government is to make sure their people are happy.
• Chapter 31& 32: People should not wait for tomorrow, they need to build their future; Today. Time is gold and they have to value and use it properly (time management). Launching family-tourism has made U.A.E to become a destination for family tourism all year around.
• Chapter 33 & 34: Redefining leadership and Cabinet reshuffle; leadership is not granted by birth and not guaranteed by best education. People need to work on themselves and expand their knowledge; if they are ambitious and they have the will to change themselves and desires to change their society. Every achievement and change will bring you toward a better leader.
• Chapter 35 & 36: Importance of horses for Emirati people, and to sound leader in sound body.
My thought:
It is true that a leader needs to sharpen his thoughts, decisions and most of all his wisdom to lead and guide his country, so that his nation can have a decent life and achieve success at the highest level, but we must know that ;
The nation can be defined as a great human unit created during historical evolution and based on the foundation of the sharing of land and economy, and national history and culture. The link between that culture and common awareness is the factor behind it. From this bond, the feeling of belonging to each other and the feeling of unity among those belonging to that unit are created.
The Ethnic distribution in United Arab Emirates is 19% Emiratis, 23% Arabs and Iranians, 50% South Asians, 8% others.
Happiness of a nation means happiness of each individual in that country therefore everyone should make the effort and everyone should be appreciated; not only a certain group!
3.5/5*
February 5, 2018
I started reading this book because my manager gave it to me and told me about the leadership lessons it contains.
It's very easy to read, fast and clear messages. In many cases quite "standard" and of course setting very high standards for the Arab community. I cannot talk about that because I don't live in that country neither know that much about that culture. But I can say it improved my perception, and made me willing to visit the UAE.
On the other hand, some of the thoughts were easy to understand and very useful. So my intention is to really try to put them into practice.
It's not a business book on the "traditional" sense of the word. It's more a "way of living" were you put the ethic, moral and (good) ambition in the center and you build everything around it.
"I want to be the best on what I'm doing and in addition empowering the others to also be better, being a leader". That's the kind of thoughts I liked.
It's very easy to read, fast and clear messages. In many cases quite "standard" and of course setting very high standards for the Arab community. I cannot talk about that because I don't live in that country neither know that much about that culture. But I can say it improved my perception, and made me willing to visit the UAE.
On the other hand, some of the thoughts were easy to understand and very useful. So my intention is to really try to put them into practice.
It's not a business book on the "traditional" sense of the word. It's more a "way of living" were you put the ethic, moral and (good) ambition in the center and you build everything around it.
"I want to be the best on what I'm doing and in addition empowering the others to also be better, being a leader". That's the kind of thoughts I liked.
December 2, 2014
This book is concise and combines Sheikh Mohammed's personal experiences with his ideas about leadership and life, and gives the reader a glimpse of the man behind the Ruler. This book covered a wide range of topics from management and leadership to personal life, success and it's drivers. This book inspired by a dialogue at the Government Summit 2013 in United Arab Emirates (UAE). I like words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum that "The future is for those who dare to dream and find the courage to pursue their dreams".
In the end it's a must read book and it should be place in schools, colleges and universities libraries around the world.
In the end it's a must read book and it should be place in schools, colleges and universities libraries around the world.
Read
February 24, 2018awesomeeeee
September 24, 2018
How to read
March 19, 2019
One of the most dynamic and forward thinking leaders of his time, UAE Vice President Sheilkh Mohammed bun Rashid Al Maktoum shares his personal philosophy on life business, leadership and a multitude of topics. Drawing on his upbringing from his father, Sheikh Mohammed learned to seize the here and now of life and get things done TODAY! Don’t wait for tomorrow. It has been the success of a great nation only four decades old that owns many world ‘firsts.’ Of course, my favorite philosophy is captured in Chap 34 entitled, “A Sound Leader in a Sound Body” and exemplifying the benefits of sports and exercising. A wonderful and motivating read by a natural world leader.
July 6, 2014
a very interesting book that gives perspective on why Dubai is "Dubai".
As its title suggests, he gives his thoughts on leadership, development, future government, dubai 2021 and much more.
I bought this book after visiting Dubai for the first with my wife,,,after being impressed with what i saw, I was curious to read more about its ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid,,,
Next book to read is definitely "My vision" once i get my hands on it,,,,
As its title suggests, he gives his thoughts on leadership, development, future government, dubai 2021 and much more.
I bought this book after visiting Dubai for the first with my wife,,,after being impressed with what i saw, I was curious to read more about its ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid,,,
Next book to read is definitely "My vision" once i get my hands on it,,,,
September 13, 2018
Before reading this book I thought I will find difficult content and some politics that I won't be interested in. But believe me if you are a leader, UAE citizen or live in UAE you need to read this book.
Its so simple yet meaningful. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed made me want to be a better person, a better citizen, and appreciate my country more.
Its so simple yet meaningful. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed made me want to be a better person, a better citizen, and appreciate my country more.
March 28, 2019
One of the best book I have read so far. The book shares ideas and advices of a great visionary leader with so much of passion and enthusiasm in himself aspiring to make his city number one in the world and he discusses how Dubai was built from scratches and on the people behind the scenes.
Those who love to know what leadership is and how a leader should be, must read this book!
Those who love to know what leadership is and how a leader should be, must read this book!
January 8, 2016
Simply this book puts in perspective the vision of Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Great man!! I want him as the president of my country forever!
Some people would say this book is some kind of propaganda, I would say is just about facts.
Great man!! I want him as the president of my country forever!
Some people would say this book is some kind of propaganda, I would say is just about facts.
January 5, 2019
Sound advice from an inspiring and ambitious leader
Great read. Interesting look into how the leader of the UAE approaches such issues as leadership, innovation etc. Inspiring and straight to the point.
Great read. Interesting look into how the leader of the UAE approaches such issues as leadership, innovation etc. Inspiring and straight to the point.
April 14, 2014
An amazing and inspiring easy to read book
December 15, 2015
Fantastic book. Gives a clear understanding of what the values of HH Sheikh Mohammed are. It is meant to be a pocket book and is not meant for detailed explanations.
December 15, 2015
Good book, but very short and summarized.
January 31, 2016
4.5/5 Stars.
Amazing!! Inspirational!!! I don't have anything to say but go pick the book and read it!!
Amazing!! Inspirational!!! I don't have anything to say but go pick the book and read it!!
September 11, 2016
A fantastic book, very well written. His thoughts on leadership time management, creativity, philanthropy etc are truly inspirational.
A must read!
A must read!
December 10, 2016
If you have been to Dubai and have experienced the richness, you should get this book.
The book reminds you of the attributes that one should have.
The book reminds you of the attributes that one should have.
February 18, 2017
Simple writing, simple ideas, simple leadership style. This is a fast read.
February 21, 2018
good innovation
May 17, 2018
It’s a good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2018
Wow this is awesome book :D Easy to read, so helpful.
April 20, 2019
nice book
November 8, 2019
أنصح بقراءة هذا الكتاب لكل محب لوطنه
December 17, 2019
Good!!!
February 24, 2020
Worth reading!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2020
I love how his highness took positivity to all fields even inside family and the link he made between positivity and happiness and success . Worth reading through those hard times
April 27, 2023
Great pieces of advice from a great leader.
Particularly fit for people working in government but also suit for business and life.
The chapters are very small (3 to 5 pages each) so they can be read in spare time.
The book is short and concise.
Definitely would recommend to anyone interested in the mind of a man who has been a key pillar in the Dubai we see today.
Particularly fit for people working in government but also suit for business and life.
The chapters are very small (3 to 5 pages each) so they can be read in spare time.
The book is short and concise.
Definitely would recommend to anyone interested in the mind of a man who has been a key pillar in the Dubai we see today.
November 21, 2021
Am starting now
January 23, 2023
A government's sole business should be ensuring its citizenry is happy.
Another must read from a genious leader!
Another must read from a genious leader!
October 22, 2023
The secret sauce behind how Dubai became Dubai ! Very crisp book with zero fillers. Short read but dense with insights. Highly recommended for all the leaders of the governments in the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews