His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has dedicated a beautiful poem to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense. He shared a video of the poem, sung, via the platform “X,” accompanied by a message stating, “To Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum… I gift you the finest meanings and wishes.”
The poem titled “O My Winning Arrow” was sung and dedicated to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marking a moment of recognition and celebration for him. This moment highlights aspirations and hopes, showcasing the profound “parental and leadership pride” that blends fatherly warmth with a leader’s confidence in his heir and the future of their nation.
The bond of fatherhood and leadership did not detach His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from his emotions as a father or his responsibilities as a ruler; instead, it made his pride in his son a declaration of his capability to continue the journey.
Sheikh Mohammed’s poem to his son is a powerful paternal and leadership piece filled with emotional hues and wise visions, portraying him as a protector of the cultural project, signifying a “moral mandate” for the leadership of the future.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum embodies the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, which is intertwined with determination, action, dedication, and generosity.
This legacy impacts Hamdan as well, and the comparison made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, refers to him as a “Yemeni sword,” symbolizing courage and strength, indicating that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed represents the continuity of dignity, glory, power, and humility through generations.
The poem serves as a declaration that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a descendant of the noble Al Maktoum family and a living embodiment of the values of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, symbolizing the wisdom and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, standing as a guardian of the UAE’s heritage, glory, and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid views the accomplishments of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan in building and developing Dubai as a representation of “a unique individual in his time” regarding innovation and ambition.
He sees him as a “creator of hopes,” turning ordinary days into bright occasions, reflecting the essence of successful leadership that showcases Sheikh Hamdan’s exceptional character and remarkable leadership qualities.
Realizing Visions
Moreover, the visions and hopes of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in establishing a global emirate have been actualized through His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the “practical implementer” of these visions.
O MY WINNING ARROW
The term “winning arrow” serves as an accurate metaphor for an arrow that never misses its mark, guaranteeing a fruitful outcome. The dedication to “the auspicious one” reiterates a symbol of optimism that allows the praised individual to become a source of blessing.
With the skill of a poet, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid describes Sheikh Hamdan by stating, “Upon my taste, I have sketched your meanings,” indicating that taste involves not just admiration but a harmony of visions and actions.
The phrase “I have sketched your meanings” shines through, depicting Sheikh Hamdan in his imagination as a leader “before he existed,” as if he were created as an idea before becoming a reality.
The phrase “seizing the reins” in his words:
NOT EVERY HAND ASPIRING TO GRASP THE REINS
AND NOT EVERY KNIGHT RIDES A HORSE WITH GRACE
presents a high symbolic image of true leadership that cannot be assumed by “impostors.” Not “every knight rides a horse with grace,” wherein he asserts that real knights harness their energies with determination rather than dreams.
Know that the earth’s nature has its strengths and weaknesses
And that your horse is aware of haste and delays
In this line, “the nature of the earth” reflects a profound understanding of people’s tendencies and the vicissitudes of time, a trait that distinguishes the experienced leader.
The phrase “haste and deliberation” highlights effective management that balances firmness with patience, similar to a knight adept at controlling his steed.
With you, from the determination of Rashid, actions and dedication
And from you, with the generosity of Zayed, a cloud that brings much rain
The determination of Rashid references the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the founder of Dubai, denoting his legendary will, while “a cloud that brings much rain” symbolizes the generosity of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose giving was boundless.
“Dedication” exemplifies the combination of hard work (Rashid) and unlimited giving (Zayed) in one individual.
The metaphor of the Yemeni sword represents the pinnacle of symbolism: “You are for Abu Khalid a Yemeni sword,” signifying that Sheikh Hamdan stands as support for the President of the UAE, a sword against the nation’s adversaries.
TO THE CROWN I HAVE ENTRUSTED YOU, AND NEVER HAVE I REGRETTED
AND I HAVE SAID, EVEN IF IT WERE A GAME, YOU WOULD NOT FALL SHORT
His words, “I have entrusted you,” serve as a clear mandate for leadership based on merit rather than favoritism, emphasizing the critical nature of the responsibilities involved. Being a crown prince is a matter of destiny.
I WAGERED ON YOU, HAMDAN, AND WON MY BET
Here, “I wagered on you” conveys bold confidence, a trust of a leader who recognizes his men’s worth and believes in his victory because his insight into men allows him to act as a leader, poet, father, and teacher, making his successful bet on “Hamdan” confirmed by the many lessons taught over the years.
Indeed, this poem serves as a “leadership statement” that validates His Highness the Crown Prince’s competence, showcasing a unique blend of wisdom, strength, generosity, and power, firmly establishing Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s enduring remark: “Hamdan is not just my son… he is the spirit of Dubai and its new generation.”
Hope remains anchored on His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as he has ascended to the position that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid would accept no substitute for; he continues to conquer obstacles with determination and strength as he undertakes his vast responsibilities, both federally and locally.