Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has called for greater unity and cooperation among Gulf Cooperation Council countries, warning that divisive media narratives and narrow political or personal interests must not undermine centuries of shared history, family ties and common interests among the region’s peoples.

In a message addressed to the people of the region, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the remarkable transformation of GCC countries from small coastal settlements into global economic centres. He stressed that their greatest achievement has been investing in people and human potential while preserving their identity, culture and authentic values.

The message, titled “A Letter to the People of the Region”, was published in the “Letters” section of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s book, “Lessons from Life”.

He began the letter by writing: “A letter to the people of the region; a message to our most cherished dream, to our shared history, to our vast and interconnected geography, and to the common ancestry and enduring bonds of kinship that unite us. A message to the sea that connects us and the boundless desert that embraces us. A message to our land, its people and generations, and its intellectuals, thinkers and cultural figures.”

Sheikh Mohammed described the countries of the region as sharing a common history, geography, family ties and aspirations. He said their people had succeeded in building modern cities, strong institutions and thriving economies without losing their cultural heritage.

He said: “We, the people of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, have, by the grace of God, progressed from small, modest towns to cities of global stature; from small fishing ports to international shipping routes; and from searching for pearls to pursuing the world’s largest investments.”

He added that GCC societies had preserved their strong identity, distinctive culture and deep-rooted traditions despite embracing modernity and globalisation.

Warning Against Attempts to Sow Division

In another part of his message, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid warned against attempts to create divisions among GCC societies through the media and the pursuit of narrow political or personal interests.

He stressed: “We must not allow geography, history and blood ties to unite us while the media divides us.”

He added: “Nor should we allow shared development and economic interests to bring us closer while social media calculations drive us apart.”

The Ruler of Dubai stressed that centuries of neighbourly relations and family ties could not be erased by temporary disagreements or divisive narratives.

He said: “What has connected the people of the region has not been political agreements, but generations who lived along its shores, mothers who prayed for the safe return of their children, and fathers whose shared faith united them on this land.”

Sheikh Mohammed compared the region to a great tree with many branches but a single origin, root, source of life and destiny.

Strengthening Cooperation While Respecting National Identities

The UAE Vice President stressed that his call for unity did not mean forming a political union among GCC countries or disregarding each country’s distinct identity and experience.

Instead, he called for broader cooperation, stronger institutions, closer coordination and the constructive management of differences.

Sheikh Mohammed said: “I am not speaking here about a union among our countries or overlooking the distinctive features of our experiences. I am speaking about drawing closer together, strengthening cooperation, managing differences, consolidating institutions and coordinating our efforts.”

Referring to the UAE’s experience of uniting the seven emirates, he described it as an example of what can be achieved when shared aspirations and collective will converge.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed: “When the region’s aspirations, wealth and the will of its people come together, the impossible becomes nothing more than a project that has yet to begin.”

He said broader regional cooperation could strengthen the GCC countries’ position as a global centre for trade, investment, education, technology and innovation.

Unity Is Forged in Hearts, Not at Borders

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stressed that genuine unity did not require countries to abandon their independent identities or become identical.

He said: “Unity does not mean opening borders; it means bringing hearts closer together. Strength lies not in eliminating differences, but in managing them to create new momentum.”

He compared GCC countries to rivers flowing into a single sea, stressing that their distinct identities could work together to create greater opportunity, prosperity and strength.

Concluding his message, the Ruler of Dubai expressed optimism about the region’s future and confidence in the determination and capabilities of its younger generations.

He said: “I am optimistic about the region, and I will always remain optimistic.”

Sheikh Mohammed also expressed hope that the region’s countries would remain united in spirit and shared purpose, and that their people would proudly affirm their regional identity and sense of belonging.

He concluded his message with a prayer for the GCC countries to enjoy enduring strength, dignity and prosperity.