Celebrating 20 Years of Sheikh Mohammed's Leadership in the UAE

In an event marking two decades of leadership, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, gathered with current and past ministers in the presence of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

This meeting celebrated the milestone of Sheikh Mohammed taking office as Prime Minister on January 5, 2006, and highlighted his significant contributions to transforming the UAE's governance and international status.

Presidential Acknowledgment of Leadership

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed commended Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for his enduring service, expressing wishes for his ongoing health and success in guiding the nation towards a prosperous future.

He pointed out that Sheikh Mohammed has crafted a government recognized worldwide for its focus on people-centric progress, driven by forward-thinking strategies that align with the nation's ambitions.

A UAE Hub of Global Standards

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid noted that under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s guidance, the UAE has experienced notable achievements, solidifying its role as a hub for innovation, enterprise, and exceptional quality of life.

He underlined the UAE’s evolution from a regional player to a worldwide leader, propelled by a distinct development approach prioritizing human empowerment, sustainable growth, and governmental efficiency.

“A Nation of Achievements”

Reflecting on the past two decades, Sheikh Mohammed expressed: “Twenty years may appear brief, yet we have turned this era into remarkable accomplishments. Today, we are leaders in diverse fields, and the UAE stands as a world unto itself.”

He praised the cooperation of key leaders alongside him, such as Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, appreciating the collaborative spirit across generations.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

In his address to the ministers, Sheikh Mohammed shared his belief in a bright future, stating that the coming 20 years will yield greater prosperity, pride, and international recognition.

“The world will perceive the UAE as the premier place to live, work, invest, and visit. Our most remarkable days are still ahead,” he remarked.

Ministers Review Government Accomplishments

Ministers present at the event expressed their pride in serving under Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership, describing him as a visionary who spurred a culture of innovation, optimism, and collaboration.

They attributed the transformation of ambitions into results to his strategic outlook, which positioned the UAE Government as a global standard for effective governance.

Notable Milestones Achieved

Throughout Sheikh Mohammed’s tenure:

• 72 ministers served across 9 cabinet formations

• 13 cabinet reshuffles were carried out

• 558 cabinet meetings occurred

• Nearly 16,000 resolutions were passed

• Over 90% of federal laws received modernization

• AI-enhanced legislative systems were introduced

• National visions such as UAE Vision 2021, Centennial 2071, and We the UAE 2031 were established

The UAE Government also bolstered its international ties via numerous agreements, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program.

Pioneering Governance Model

In the last twenty years, the UAE has crafted an advanced governance framework centered on innovation, digital progress, future foresight, and community welfare, solidifying its image as a pioneer amongst global nations.