Mohammed bin Rashid Launches New Book ‘The Messages,’ Continuing ‘Lessons from Life’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched his latest book, “The Messages,” bringing together 26 personal letters and reflections drawn from nearly six decades of public service, leadership and nation-building.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled his latest book, “The Messages”, the second part of his Lessons from Life series.

Launched on September 6, 2026, the new volume presents a more personal format than its predecessor, using a collection of 26 letters to share lessons, experiences and reflections with family members, colleagues, Emiratis and readers around the world.

First Letter Addressed to UAE President

The book begins with a letter to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In the opening message, Sheikh Mohammed reflects on major milestones in the UAE President’s journey and on the qualities he has witnessed during decades of shared work and partnership.

The letter also reflects on the idea that while cities, infrastructure and institutions can be built, the most important element of a nation is the spirit that unites its people, preserves stability and inspires future generations.

26 Letters Drawn From Nearly 60 Years of Public Service

“The Messages” draws on Sheikh Mohammed’s experience across nearly six decades of public service.

The letters are addressed to:

•    His brothers and family
•    His children and grandchildren
•    Members of his team
•    The people of the UAE
•    Readers across the region and around the world

The collection explores lessons from decisions taken, projects completed, challenges faced and experiences accumulated during one of the most significant periods of development in the UAE’s modern history.

‘Ideas Grow and Remain’

In announcing the book, Sheikh Mohammed said that individual lives form part of the broader story of their nations and that each generation has a responsibility to leave behind knowledge and ideas that can benefit those who follow.

He explained that the letters were written because lives pass, while ideas can continue to grow and endure.

The central idea behind the book is that accumulated experience should not remain personal. Instead, it should be passed on so future leaders and generations can benefit from lessons already learned.

Sequel to ‘Lessons from Life’

“The Messages” follows “Lessons from Life,” the first part of Sheikh Mohammed’s series reflecting on leadership, governance, people and personal experience.

The first volume contained 35 chapters documenting elements of his leadership philosophy and nearly six decades of public service. It was launched in September 2025 as a reference intended for present and future generations.

While Lessons from Life was structured around individual lessons and experiences, the new book adopts a more direct and personal style through individual letters.

Together, the two books are intended to form a broader record of Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership and human philosophy.

Leadership Beyond Buildings and Projects

One of the recurring themes in the new book is that leadership should not be measured solely by physical development.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasises the importance of building values, confidence and capability within people as well as constructing cities and institutions.

The book reflects his view that one of the most valuable responsibilities of leadership is to shorten the path for those who will carry responsibility in the future.

A More Personal Side of Sheikh Mohammed

Unlike many traditional leadership books, “The Messages” combines reflections on governance and national development with more personal correspondence.

Recent reporting has revealed that the collection also includes a deeply personal message to Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, reflecting on their decades of family life together.

This personal approach gives readers a broader view of Sheikh Mohammed’s experiences beyond government and public administration.

UAE President Responds

Following the book’s announcement, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed responded warmly to Sheikh Mohammed’s opening letter.

He praised Sheikh Mohammed’s contribution to the UAE’s development and described their relationship as one built on brotherhood, friendship and a shared commitment to the path established by the UAE’s founding leadership.

The exchange added a highly personal dimension to the launch and highlighted the long-standing partnership between the UAE’s two senior leaders.

Continuing a Long Tradition of Writing

The launch is also part of Sheikh Mohammed’s long-standing effort to document and share his thinking on leadership, development and public service.

His books have consistently focused on themes including:

•    Leadership and decision-making
•    Government excellence
•    Innovation
•    Nation-building
•    Human development
•    Preparing future generations
•    Turning vision into practical achievement

“The Messages” continues that tradition while presenting those ideas in a more intimate letter-based format.

A Reference for Future Generations

According to the official announcement, the two volumes — “Lessons from Life” and “The Messages” — are intended to provide future generations with a consolidated record of the lessons Sheikh Mohammed has gained through decades of public service.

The latest book is positioned not simply as a memoir, but as a collection of experiences designed to provide guidance to leaders, decision-makers, young people and anyone interested in the UAE’s development journey.

The Bottom Line

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s “The Messages” brings together 26 letters reflecting nearly 60 years of leadership and public service.

Beginning with a message to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the book combines national vision, leadership lessons and personal reflections in a format intended to speak directly to family, colleagues, Emiratis and future generations.

As the second part of Lessons from Life, the book reinforces a central theme running through Sheikh Mohammed’s writing:

Buildings and achievements may define an era, but ideas, knowledge and values are what continue into the next generation.