His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, made an unannounced visit to Dubai Mall on Saturday, September 19, attracting considerable attention from shoppers and visitors.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, toured various sections of the mall accompanied by several officials and observed its operations first-hand.

Videos shared on social media showed Sheikh Mohammed walking through the crowds. His appearance came as a surprise to many shoppers, some of whom recorded the moment on their mobile phones.

This was not the Dubai Ruler’s first unannounced visit to the mall in recent months. He also visited Dubai Mall in April, touring several areas and stopping at the newly opened Primark store.

In recent years, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has frequently made unannounced visits to projects and public and commercial venues across Dubai to assess their operations and service delivery first-hand.