His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has written a letter to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, reflecting on his role in shaping and developing the nation. “The UAE stands tall, yet it still resembles you,” he wrote.

In the letter, Sheikh Mohammed described Sheikh Zayed as the “teacher, leader and inspiration” of four decades of his life, and as a father to Emiratis, leaders, orphans and those in need. He also recalled the UAE’s early years, when resources were limited, roads were scarce and the country’s infrastructure was still in its infancy.

Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted Sheikh Zayed’s efforts to build schools, universities, roads and hospitals, as well as his belief that the country’s resources should be used to improve people’s lives.

He described the union of the seven emirates as one of Sheikh Zayed’s most important legacies. Despite early doubts over whether the union would endure, the UAE has developed into a country with global standing and extensive infrastructure while preserving the values of its founders, he wrote.

The letter is part of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s new book, The Letters, which contains 26 letters addressed to his children, family, team members, the people of the UAE and others. The UAE’s official news agency said the Arabic edition will be available at major bookstores across the country from October 1, 2026, followed by the English edition on October 15.

The Letters is the second part of the What Life Taught Me series and brings together Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s experiences and reflections from nearly six decades of public service.