History Connects Us; Social Media Should Not Divide Us: Ruler of Dubai’s Message to Gulf People
DUBAI (Qudrat Daily) — UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has urged the people of the Gulf not to let relations built on shared history, geography, and family ties be sacrificed to differences on media or social media. He described proximity, cooperation, and better management of differences as the region’s collective strength.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid shared his message to the people of the Gulf, included in his book “Al-Rasail,” on X on October 19. He said that shared development and economic interests bring Gulf societies closer, therefore social media accounts should not become a means of creating distances between them.
Shared History and the Journey of Development
In his message, referring to the transformation of the Gulf region, he said that the people here have traveled from simple settlements to global cities, from small fishing harbors to international maritime trade, and from pearl diving to some of the world’s largest investments.
According to him, despite modernization, the region has preserved its identity and culture.
He also mentioned building institutions, connecting continents, hosting major global gatherings, and supplying energy to global economies. However, according to him, the greatest achievement is building people, love for the homeland, and promoting tolerance and coexistence with those who come to the region, work, and participate in the journey of development.
The Ruler of Dubai said that the people of the Gulf are not connected merely by political agreements; behind these relations are generations settled on the shores, centuries of neighborly ties, and shared family roots. He likened the Gulf to a tree whose branches are different but whose roots and future are shared.
A Call for Strong Cooperation, Not Political Union
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid clarified that he is not speaking of political union among Gulf countries or of ignoring each country’s unique experience.
His call is to increase mutual proximity, strengthen institutions, harmonize efforts, and manage differences constructively.
Citing the example of the seven emirates’ united resolve, he said that if the Gulf’s resources, aspirations, and the courage of its people are combined, even seemingly impossible tasks can become practicable plans. According to him, strength lies not in making everyone the same but in making different experiences a means of shared progress.
Meanwhile, Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, described the message as a wise call at an important time. He said the region’s strength lies in cooperation, proximity, and handling differences wisely, while the points of the message require reflection and action.
