"Wir suchen immer das Beste im Menschen und wollen sein Potenzial zum Nutzen aller entwickeln. Krisen und Hindernisse werden uns nicht aufhalten oder bremsen. Wir werden weder z�gern noch uns von Zweifel zur�ckhalten lassen. Anhand dieser Erinnerungen wird man erkennen, wie wir eine Nation aufgebaut haben." Diese bedeutende Sammlung von Anekdoten und Erinnerungen von Scheich Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum erscheint aus Anlass seines 50. Jubil�ums im Dienst der Regierung, die 1968 mit seiner Ernennung zum Verteidigungsminister von Dubai begann. Diese Geschichten erz�hlen von der Vision hinter Dubais rasantem Wachstum von einem kleinen, gesch�ftigen Handelshafen zu einer internationalen Metropole im Herzen der globalen Wirtschaft. Sie dokumentieren die Entwicklung der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate vom gemeinsamen Ideal zu einer Nation, in der mehr als 195 Nationalit�ten in Frieden, Harmonie und Wohlstand leben und arbeiten. Sie enth�llen auch Einsichten von einem Mann, dessen Antrieb, Entschlossenheit und Erfolgswillen legend�r geworden sind. In diesen Geschichten steckt das Herz von Scheich Mohammed, dem Staatsmann, dem Reiter, dem Dichter und dem F�hrer. Sie wurden mit der Absicht geschrieben, neue Generationen von Lesern zu inspirieren, zu informieren und die Errungenschaften dieser jungen, pulsierenden Nation und der Menschen, die sie gepr�gt haben, zu feiern. Diese Feier eines Lebens im Dienste der Nation ist unvermeidlich unvollst�ndig. Wie Scheich Mohammed selbst sagt, gibt es noch so viel zu tun. Jedoch sind diese ersten f�nfzig Jahre ein bemerkenswertes Erbe. Andere Titel, die von Scheich Mohammed geschrieben und von Explorer ver�ffentlicht wurden, sind Zayed, Reflections on Happiness & Positivity, Flashes of Verse und Two Great Leaders.
The progress Dubai has made brings about a sense of awe whenever I have visited. I was keen to read the thoughts of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current ruler of Dubai (and Prime Minister of UAE). I liked the book for its simplicity & directness of the writing.
The book starts with Sheikh Mohammed Maktoum describing how he has always set audacious goals. The UAE is the first Arab country to send astronauts to the ISS, a probe to Mars, have the first Arab Satellite and establish a city on Earth simulating Mars (which will help future settlements on the Red Planet).
The book then switches to the past, tracing the developments of Dubai initiated by the current ruler’s grandfather Sheikh Saeed who diversified Dubai, found new trade routes & markets. Sheikh Mohammed Maktoum’s father Sheikh Rashid a modest man continued to build on the progress made – expanding the Dubai creek and launching the Dubai International Airport. He draws a contrast with the Shah of Iran who lived in opulence leading to his exit after discontent boiled over. His father taught him ways to live in the desert and had a horse Sawlawi, which he was close to. This led to Sheikh Mohammed Maktoum’s love for horses as well, Sawda being his first horse and later Dubai Millenimum (which he rates as the best race horse he has seen). His brother continued the tradition, and also played a key role in the integration of UAE. I was surprised to learn that the initial proposal also included Qatar and Bahrain, who later backed out. There were challenges such as the Japan Airlines hijack, attempted Sharjah coup, Lufthansa plane hijack, Iran-Iraq war, Israeli invasion of Lebanon and Iraq invasion of Kuwait. Sheikh Mohammed Maktoum played a role in mitigating each of these crises. There was a lot of skepticism, both within and outside, if Dubai could attract tourists. But a solid vision, stellar development focus and efficient project execution has ensured that Dubai constantly stays ahead, attracting both tourists and businesses.
This book has a lot of interesting information, is organized simply, and is easy to read.
I may be a bit bias with this one, but I’d give this book more than five stars if I could. Sheikh Mohammed has recorded the milestones and what he has achieved in his life so far. It’s was an interesting read, written in Sheikh Mohammed's characteristic conversational style. The stories in this book are so nostalgic to me. The book not only covers the history of UAE, but it also contains thoughts, history, experiences in life, and facing difficulties with patience and faith. It teaches us many values and morals, and teaches/ encourages us to achieve more leadership skills, and to be future leaders with great goals. It shows you cold heartedly that nothing stays the same for long. I never knew that I could live in a place for so long, and find out so much within a couple chapters of a book. The book is divided into chapters which covers an impressive range of topics. The title of the first chapter describes what the book is all about- "From Where We Started to Where We are Today". I honestly wish that every leader of a country could be like Sheikh Mohamed. Anyways, I’d totally recommend this book 10/10
لقد غيّر هذا الكتاب حياتي بشكل جذري ، لذا أشكر صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم ، وله كل تحياتي
My Story, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is an extraordinary book, both enjoyable and deeply inspiring. It offers a vivid vision of leadership, resilience, and creativity that guided the transformation of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates into what they are today: a remarkable example of vision turned into reality.
Reading it after the hurricane that struck Acapulco, I found in its pages more than history or memoir, I found guidance. Many of the concepts and principles described by Sheikh Mohammed became touchstones for the projects we have been supporting and donating to in the recovery of our beloved Acapulco. The book became, in many ways, a consultation manual: a source of wisdom that could be applied directly to the challenges of rebuilding a city with dignity, strength, and long-term vision.
Sheikh Mohammed’s example, his boldness in dreaming beyond limitations, and his unwavering commitment to the prosperity of his people are lessons that transcend borders. For me in Acapulco, this book was not only an inspiring read, but a reminder that with clarity of vision, resilience, and collective effort, even the hardest moments can become opportunities for renewal. This is a work that deserves the highest praise and one that I will continue to recommend as a model of leadership, nation building, and hope.
كعادة الشيخ محمد قدم تجاربه بمجالات عدة بلغة بسيطة، وممتعة، بين إثارة سباق الخيل، وفوضى عالم السياسة، ومغامرات الطفولة، قدم مجموعة من الحكايات بحلاوتها ومرارتها بأسلوب جميل ولطيف. وختمها بوصايا لمن يقود الدول. لو قرأت كتبه الأخرى ربما تجد تكرار طفيف هنا أو هناك ولكن يبقى لكتبه طعم خاص ومتعة أخرى. هذه سيرة ذاتية غير مكتملة كما سماها هو، استمتعت بها حقيقة، وأنهيتها بجلستين وعشت معه الأحداث بمشاعرها وتفاصيلها. عسى نرى دبي في كل مدينة عربية، بطريقتها الخاصة دون التقليد الأعمى.
My chief take aways: 1. Impossible is a choice. The world will throw open its doors for any one who knows what they want. 2. Some people live life. Others give life. 3. The greatness of a mother is in making each of her children feel like they are her most favourite. 4. Serve people. A leader serves.
What an inspirational person and journey. Facts and numbers can support his unmatched acheivements and leadership of his people. what is more touching is how genuine and human he is. you may say how do you conclude this for sure, i say i am a compassionate human myself and i know when i see one. from his love of and fascination with animals to empowering and supporting other people in need and paying billions for scholarships. His tribute to beirut (ست الدنيا) and support for lebanese people torn by politcal and secterian status qou meant a lot. he is still on my short list of humans i would like to meet in person... One thing i did not like is that he mentioned Bashar Asad as in context of syria's war struggle with not much details on the person. i understand that as a positive leader Sheikh M wants to build bridges for the coming years but i struggle to read Asad's name in any context other than a dictator criminal who killed 1 million of his people.
يحتوي الكتاب على قصص جميلة مر بها صاحب السمو في مسيرته المهنيه وفي حياته والتي توضح ما واجهه سموه من صعوبات في تحقيق الانجازات. وكذلك يوضح الكتاب ما تعلمه صاحب السمو من طفولته وكيف ترعرع في كنف والده والذي ساهم في تعزيز قدراته وتعلم الكثير من جده ووالده. قصص جميله عن بدايات دبي والأثر الذي تركه كل من الشيخ سعيد والشيخ راشد رحمهم الله في تطوير دبي. ساهم سموه في وصول دبي للعالميه ابتداءً من مطار دبي وميناء جبل علي. كما ذكر سموه قصة طيران الامارات وسبب انشاءه. الكتاب يحتوي على قصص مشوقه لدرجة انني في بعض الاحيان لا استطيع ان اتوقف عن القراءة حتى ابدا القصة التي تليها. يحتوي الكتاب على احداث جميلة مشوقة واسلوب سلس ودروس قيمة. اقتباس من الكتاب: "جئتم بثروات لشعوبكم، فأكملوا ثرواتكم في الاقتصاد والبناء والتعمير وتوفير الحياة الكريمة لهم؛ أرجوكم تغيَروا وإلا فسوف تُغيَرون، فقد رأيت ذلك من قبل، وأعلم سُنَة الحياة في ذلك." "تنويع المصادر هو وصية تتوارثها الأسرة الحاكمة، هو الضمان أن ما وصلنا إليه بعد رحلة الكفاح لا يمكن أن نتخلى عنه بالاعتماد على مصدر واحد فقط للحياة"
After living in Dubai for so many years it was a treat to read this book and gain insight into how this beautiful city came to be. Sheikh Mohammad is a remarkable visionary and it only takes a short ride through the city to see that. He gives a glimpse into his life in this beautifully written book of 50 stories spanning 50 years of his service.
I picked this book up in beautiful Dubai while visiting there last May. Sheik Mohammed is truly a visionary. This book gives us a better understanding of his background, goals, and visions of Dubai. It explores the history of where Dubai came from and its planned growth for the future. I have a better understanding of the UAE now, and its culture of diversity, peace and tolerance.
Consistent-Inspiration. If you think about it, those two words are an oxymoron, yet His Highness always finds a way to touch and inspire anyone who listens carefully to his message/s, more than likely because his words are ALWAYS supported by his vision and actions.
Very inspiring and educative as well. God bless the visionary leaders that transformed a desert country into what the whole world is now envious of. Long live your reign Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Good memoir of how Dubai and UAE were developed, though easily nitpicking only the positives and ignoring the inhumane treatment of foreign labor on top of which all this was done.
I read most of the book leading up to a trip to Dubai, and finished it on the monorail travelling along the Palm Jumeirah. This isn't the complete story of the development of Dubai and the UAE, but it is definitely a good insight into the motivations, ambition, and character of Sheikh Mohammed. There are some great takeaways for leaders here and there are definitely parts that I'm going to revisit to make notes and see how I can apply in my own leadership approach.
Best book purchase of 2021! In love with the the story and the man himself. So nicely written, even poetic at times. Would recommend 100 percent. Happy to have such a precious souvenir from my trip to UAE.
Is incredible the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed and how his vision based on unity, peace and solidarity to the most needed has created a city and a country that is now a reference for tourism, commerce, public policies and much more! I lived my moments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi through this book!
3 stars. It was good book! 👏🏻 Although in the midway it kinda got me into a slump… The beginning was preettttyyyy gooodddd I though this book wouldn’t be good as it’s non fiction, but it proved me wrong 🤷🏻♀️
The autobiography is not totally the traditional chronological one it is actually collection of anecdotes. A very good ones actually. All having strong messages for almost everyone. Basically that makes me say this was a very good read beside the fact that it is well written.
This book also makes me think photographs are very important in autobiography or in any other non-fiction books as they carry the memory bold enough to attach with what we are reading.
“To take risk and fail is not a failure. Real failure is to fear taking any risk”
This book is also one of the books that every leader should read, it's inspirational and mainly filled with leadership related wisdom, because their success aren't just with words, everything is supported with numbers to confirm their undeniable achievements. I also loved how they assure to avoid wars and instability in the country at all costs, and always prefer unification to stand strong as a nation.
“Good leadership puts the interests of the community as a whole before those of any specific group. Credibility of leadership can only be established through action and not words.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I stumbled upon Ahmad Alshugairi in 2014 and I binge-watched a decade's worth of ‘khawater' in 2 months. It kindled a fire in me that I didn't know existed. It made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to do. After a while the effect died down. I saw the reality of my environment and after all I was just a child, what could I really do? All I could do was focus and excel in my studies, and that I did.
Then came the first season of ‘Qalby etma'an' and it re-kindled the embers that were dying down. But even that effect got lost over the years. The only thing I could do was focus on my studies which I was struggling with and no longer good at.
Then a friend gifted me this book. I've read difficult to grasp books before. This wasn't one of them. It felt more like a conversation. The chapters were short and easy to get through. But the impact on me...
It reminded me of the good old days (as if I'm too old) when I started watching khawater. The emotions I felt back then, the hopes I had and how beautiful life was in general. Once again something has been rekindled; a hope, a desire, an ambition. Only that this time I can't say ‘but I'm only a child, what can I do?'. Only that this time I can't say ‘the only sane thing to do is focus on your studies'
To me, this book was inspirational. A reminder I didn't know I needed just when my life is about to turn a new leaf.
كتاب سيدي صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم وصايا يتضمن تبعث في النفس الأمل والعزم. تجربة في منتهى الجمال يقصها صاحب السمو بشفافية صادقة. وصايا كتاب "قصتي" تفوق كل التوقعات. تعلمت أن من لا يخطط فهو يخطط لنفسه الفشل وكثير من الدروس التي يرسلها صاحب السمو ليبث في الجيل الناشئ حيوية ومفعمة بناء على تجربته. أن تكون للمرء نظرة مستقبلية وأفق واسع من أساسيات النجاح في الحياة. وتجربة صاحب السمو ودولة الإمارات في هذا المنبر قد أخذا منعطفا جريئا في هذا المجال لتغدو تجربتنا وإقدامنا على هذا الخطوة من أنجح التجارب من القرن الماضي إلى الآن. ولا زلنا مستمرون على عهد والدنا زايد رحمة الله.
I've known of how beautiful and successful the UAE is as a country but I've now known how they become such a successful country and one of the best in the world.
No doubt the UAE have had great leaders in the past and they still do.
I just hope that other leaders will learn to serve their people instead of themselves.
أدهشني تواضع الشيخ محمد و صراحته في سرد جوانب من طفولته. الاهم هي العبر الكثيرة التي تعلمها ومنها ان تحيط نفسك دائما بالعقول الكبيرة والشباب الطموحة. كذلك ان تصنع قادة للمستقبل اذا لم يكن لديك قادة حاليين.
The story telling was different but good. It was an easy to read book, full of ideas, motivational poems, and the author did a good job explaining scenarios and what it meant to him.
Best insight from this book. "Our jobs are meaningful; they enable us to change the lives of millions of people for the better. Never underestimate your role, your work or your efforts, for you are in the business of shaping lives, planning futures and building nations."
Un acquisto d’impulso prima di abbandonare un paese che da la sensazione di come poteva essere l’Europa e l’Italia nel dopoguerra, piena di energia e di progetti. Lo sceicco Mo, come lo chiamano, ha scritto un libro che può motivare e far pensare.