A book of poems written by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai was launched in Dubai, in time for the 24th Dubai World Cup. Chronicling his love and a life-long passion for horses, Sheikh Mohammed has penned 18 poems in his new book aptly titled, For the Love of Horses in Arabic and English.
“From my first horse, I learnt that achievements are never accomplished without work,” writes Sheikh Mohammed in his book. Inside the book, are photographs of Sheikh Mohammed riding his horses, attending equestrian events worldwide as well as paintings and sketches of him by local artists.
The book was launched on Tuesday, March 26 at The Meydan Hotel by the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) with Sara Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, reciting a few poems in English, and Emirati writer Sultan Al Ameemi reciting some in Arabic. Referring to Sheikh Mohammed as a “true equestrian” and as a “man who sees the world through multiple facets”, Al Amiri went on to praise the ruler’s leadership qualities. According to the Director General of the GDMO, Mona Ghanem Al Marri, the book captures Sheikh Mohammed’s outlook on life and his “noble vision” and that “the poems in the book speak about the deep love and passion that Sheikh Mohammed has had for horses from an early age and how this has influenced his life’s journey.”
This is not the first time Sheikh Mohammed has expressed his fondness of horses. In the 46th chapter of his previous book, Qissati, he shares the story behind the finest horse he ever owned, Yaazer.
The Chairman and CEO of the Meydan Group which hosted the launch event, Saeed Humaid Al Tayer said, “Sheikh Mohammed is a towering personality in the worldwide equestrian fraternity who has contributed significantly to the development of the global industry.”
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