Sheikh Mohammed praises wife Sheikha Hind as 'greatest supporter' as he marks 19 years as Ruler of Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid became Ruler of Dubai on January 4, 2006, and has spoken about his wife's contribution to his career

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has led the emirate's transformation into a global city. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Friday dedicated the coming 19th anniversary of his accession to his wife, who he hailed as his "greatest supporter" and "foundation of his family".

He became Ruler of Dubai on January 4, 2006, following the death of his brother Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid. Dubai has grown into a global hub for tourism, finance, commerce and advanced technology in the years since.

Sheikh Mohammed thanked Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum for being at his side during a remarkable chapter in his life and career. He described his wife as the "spirit of Dubai" and "mother of Sheikhs" in an uplifting message on social media platform, X.

"I would like to dedicate the fourth of January this year to my wife, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, my companion, my support and my backer in this life," Sheikh Mohammed wrote.

"Sheikha Hind is one of the most compassionate, generous and charitable people. She is the pillar of my home, the foundation of my family and my greatest supporter throughout my career.

"I call on everyone to be loyal to those who deserve loyalty. Loyalty to our companion on the path and our support in this life."

Nineteen years of progress

Dubai's transformation into a global city happened under Sheikh Mohammed's watch. Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, opened in 2010. Other major projects such as Dubai Marina, Dubai Metro and shopping centres such as Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates elevated Dubai even more.

More recently, Sheikh Mohammed was pivotal to Dubai's recovery as the UAE as a whole bounced back from Covid-19 faster than most countries, and also oversaw the safe and successful staging of Expo 2020 Dubai, which attracted people from around the globe.

From the small town Sheikh Mohammed was born in, Dubai's population now stands at more than 3.8 million today, with a recent boom showing no signs of slowing down.

Sheikha Hind's leadership role

Sheikha Hind has herself played a significant role in the rise of Dubai and has sought to champion humanitarian values over the years.

In October 2020, she was honoured by the UN for leading a charitable initiative that delivered millions of meals to people in need during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UAE's "10 million meals' campaign" – which operated throughout Ramadan – exceeded its own lofty target by providing 15.3 million meals and food parcels to low-income families and those hardest hit by the outbreak.

Sheikha Hind was named Humanitarian of the Year 2020 at the Arab Woman Awards UAE for her efforts in leading the community-spirited project.

She has led the UAE Food Bank since it was established in 2017, a body that co-ordinates the distribution of surplus food from restaurants, the hospitality sector and other outlets to those less fortunate.