Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has addressed a message to the people of the Gulf, emphasising the deep historical, geographical and family ties that unite the region and calling for greater cooperation despite differences.
In a message published as part of his book 'The Letters', Sheikh Mohammed stressed that the bonds connecting Gulf nations must not be weakened by divisions in the media or on social media platforms.
“We cannot be united by geography, history and blood ties, only to be divided by the media,” he said.
He added that shared development and economic interests should not be undermined by social media disputes, nor should common development goals be derailed by those pursuing narrow agendas.
A shared history and a common identity
Addressing the people of the Gulf, Sheikh Mohammed reflected on the region’s remarkable transformation from modest coastal settlements into global centres of commerce, investment and innovation.
He noted that Gulf nations had progressed from small cities to international metropolises, from humble fishing ports to major players in international shipping, and from pearl diving to pursuing some of the world's largest investments.
Despite this rapid modernisation, he said, the region had preserved its strong identity, distinctive culture and deeply rooted traditions.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the Gulf's achievements in building wealth, establishing institutions, connecting continents, hosting major international events and supplying the energy that drives global economies.
However, he stressed that the region's greatest achievement went beyond economic development.
More importantly, Gulf nations had succeeded in developing their people, strengthening their sense of belonging and promoting the values of coexistence and tolerance towards those who visited, worked and contributed to the region's progress.
He described the people of the Gulf as a source of hope for the wider Arab nation and its aspirations to restore its civilisation, strength and glory.
'Hearts came together before borders'
Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that the Gulf's unity was rooted in centuries of shared history, family relationships, religion and geography, rather than political agreements alone.
He said no one could erase centuries of neighbourly relations, change geographical realities or alter the family ties connecting the region's people.
“The Gulf was not brought together by political agreements, but by generations who lived along its shores, mothers who prayed to God for the safe return of their sons, and fathers united by faith on its land,” he said.
He added that hearts had come together before borders, family ties had been established before nations, and affection had flourished before development.
Using the image of a tree to describe the Gulf, Sheikh Mohammed said its branches may be many and its fruits diverse, but its origin, roots, water and destiny remain one.
Cooperation can turn the impossible into reality
Sheikh Mohammed said that when the ambitions, wealth and determination of Gulf nations come together, seemingly impossible goals can become achievable projects.
He pointed to the UAE's own experience, where the shared determination of seven emirates helped build a united nation.
Greater Gulf cooperation, he said, could create a bridge between continents, a centre for major civilisations, a global reserve of immense wealth and a beacon for leading scientific, technological and academic institutions.
Such cooperation would also strengthen the region's global influence and its ability to confront major challenges.
'I am not talking about a union between our countries'
Clarifying his vision, Sheikh Mohammed stressed that his message was not a call for Gulf countries to form a political union or abandon their individual identities and experiences.
“I am not talking here about a union between our countries, or ignoring the distinctiveness of our experiences,” he said.
“Rather, I am talking about bringing us closer together, strengthening our cooperation, managing our differences, reinforcing our institutions and coordinating our efforts.”
He emphasised that history demonstrates how collective strength can exceed the sum of individual contributions.
True strength, he said, does not require countries to become identical. Instead, their different experiences can contribute to creating new civilisational momentum across the region.
“Unity is not about opening borders, but about bringing hearts together,” he said.
Similarly, he explained, strength does not lie in eliminating differences, but in managing them in ways that create renewed vitality.
He compared Gulf nations to different rivers flowing into the same sea, retaining their individual identities while creating a larger ocean of opportunities, wealth and strength.
'I am from the Gulf, and proud to be'
Concluding his message, Sheikh Mohammed expressed his enduring optimism about the Gulf's future.
He said the region would continue to prosper through its people, its sea and desert, its ports, its projects and the determination of future generations.
He expressed the hope that the Gulf would remain united in spirit, with its people sharing a common sense of identity and pride.
“I am optimistic about the Gulf, and I always will be,” he said.
He concluded with an expression of Gulf identity and pride: “I am from the Gulf, and I am proud to be from the Gulf.”
Sheikh Mohammed ended his message with a prayer for the Gulf's continued strength, glory and prosperity.