His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has outlined seven principles for living in the city in a message addressed to citizens, residents, tourists and all those who love Dubai. He called on everyone to help uphold the values that he said have underpinned Dubai’s success.

The message, titled “A Letter to the Dubai Community”, is part of his new book, “Letters”. The book comprises 26 letters and was unveiled in September 2026, reflecting Sheikh Mohammed’s experiences and insights after nearly six decades of public service. The UAE’s official news agency also confirmed the book’s publication.

Sheikh Mohammed set out the seven principles as follows:

1. Responsibility: Everyone, from employees and managers to parents, teachers, doctors and the government, is accountable for their duties and those in their care.

2. Respect: Respect for people, their beliefs, cultures, time, feelings and rights is, in his view, the foundation of a civilised society.

3. Quality and precision in work: The standard of services, the city’s cleanliness, its infrastructure and even the smallest daily tasks all shape Dubai’s image in the eyes of the world.

4. Humility: Success should not stand in the way of learning, and despite its achievements, Dubai must continue to see the road ahead as a long one.

5. Optimism: Challenges can be turned into opportunities, and a better future can be built through effort and hope.

6. Kindness: Helping others is not limited to financial support. A kind word, a smile, guiding someone who is lost or supporting young people are also forms of kindness.

7. Loyalty to the nation: Respecting the law, safeguarding the country’s achievements, security and reputation, and upholding honesty and justice are key elements of this principle.

Sheikh Mohammed concluded by stressing that constructing buildings and cities alone is not enough. What matters more is building a society founded on shared values and principles.