President, VP mark Father’s Day with touching tributes

On the occasion of Father's Day, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, “Our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, was a wise mentor and an inspirational role model to his children and to the nation, and his legacy continues to shape the ongoing development of our country and its people. As we mark Father’s Day, I congratulate fathers across the UAE and commend their pivotal role in the family and community.

Father’s Day is celebrated on June 21.

Meanwhile, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, dedicated the ninth chapter of his forthcoming book, "Life Taught Me," (A'llamtni Al Haya) to his father, the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, on the occasion.

Sheikh Mohammed published excerpts from his book, saying "May God Have Mercy on My Father," on his Twitter account, where he reflected on his father's shrewdness and wisdom, his life and biography.

He said, "The more I think about my father's shrewdness and wisdom, his life and biography, I realise how much I learned from him and how I was influenced by his personality. I learned from him the simplicity, self-control, and not getting distracted by trivialities. He also taught me to never believe the weak-minded or the frivolous. I learned how to listen and when to be strict and when to be lenient. I learned from him dignity without affectation, tolerance, and kindness towards everyone."

He continued, "His mere presence instilled a sense of reverence in all those who encountered him. My father was seldom observed to be angry or agitated. He was characterised by kindness and gentleness. He had a strong aversion to deceit. He did not succumb to panic or fear. Instead, he demonstrated steadfastness, confidence, and dignity. In the event of his expression of approval, it was moderate and impartial."

"My father taught me to cherish my family, relatives, and brothers, and to maintain close relationships with my sisters. This assertion remains unchallenged. He instilled in me a profound respect for honesty and justice. He instilled in me the ability to accept criticism, to be self-confidet, and to maintain a balance between benevolence towards others and the dignity and firmness that my position necessitates," Sheikh Mohammed said.

He continued, "I learned from my father not to condone mistakes, not to look for people's mistakes, and to overlook some mistakes, and gently point out others, especially those whose sincerity, love, and dedication to their work I was sure of. My father was serious and firm, and he wasn't tempted by praise or flattery. He was not fooled by the media's labels or exaggerations."

"He was not someone who would be influenced by first impression. Instead, he would reflect, consult and seek clarification. I learned from him the value of listening to those who hold sound opinions and rational mindsets. My father had a great fondness for scholars, yet he could discern those who claimed to be scholars. He was fond of spending time with merchants and market people, and he had a great deal of respect for religious people. He was always very fond of doing good deeds. He was generous and honest. He was a person of integrity. He did not despise anyone or act superior to anyone," Sheikh Mohammed added.

The Vice President further shared some reflections on the insight of the late Sheikh Rashid, saying: "He had insight into people and the youth. He was always ready to support those with business talent and was always keen to seek the help of those he saw as having administrative capabilities. He was someone who could look to the future. He conducted thorough research and was not one to rush things. However, if he was determined to do something, he did not hesitate, doubt, or become confused when making the decision."

With regard to the relationship between his late father and his friends, Sheikh Mohammed said, "He was fond of his friends, and he was known to be cheerful and easy-going when he was with them. However, he did not mix the private with the public. He was careful not to favour his friends by assigning them government responsibilities, nor did he befriend the officials who worked with him. Instead, he sought to establish a space between him and them, while characterised by trust, respect and accountability." "My father was not an overly strict or aggressive person. Instead, he was friendly, tolerant, and generous. He was always fair and just. My father was not particularly fond of a wide variety of food, talking a lot or buildings and palaces. He was inclined to prefer simplicity, lightness of mind and self-control. May God have mercy on my father," Sheikh Mohammed concluded.