Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on the 20-year milestone, wishing him continued health and strength to carry forward his service to the nation and help shape a brighter future for the UAE…reports Asian Lite News
As HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum completed 20 years as Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, the milestone was marked with a high-level gathering that reflected on two decades of rapid transformation, institutional reform and global ambition.
In the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with current and former ministers who have served alongside him since he assumed office on January 5, 2006.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on the 20-year milestone, wishing him continued health and strength to carry forward his service to the nation and help shape a brighter future for the UAE. He said that under Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership, the UAE Government has become an inspiring development model that places people at the heart of its priorities, guided by a forward-looking vision aligned with the aspirations of Emirati society.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, in turn, credited the UAE’s achievements to the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, noting that the country has delivered remarkable outcomes and emerged as a global hub in record time. He said the UAE has evolved from a regional leader into a global force through a development model centred on quality of life, human empowerment, a strong and sustainable economy, and highly efficient governance.
Reflecting on his tenure, Sheikh Mohammed said the past two decades were defined by teamwork and determination. While 20 years may be a short span in the life of a nation, he said the UAE had filled this period with achievements of global scale, placing the country at the forefront of multiple sectors and turning it into “a whole world within one country”.
He expressed gratitude to key members of the leadership, including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and highlighted the role of the younger generation of leaders now holding defence and finance portfolios. Addressing ministers past and present, he thanked them for translating ideas into tangible progress that has directly improved people’s lives.
Looking ahead, Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE Government remains determined to pursue excellence, stressing that the next two decades should leave an enduring mark on the nation’s progress. He expressed optimism that the UAE’s best years are still to come, with the country set to become the world’s leading destination to live, work, invest and visit.
Ministers attending the meeting praised Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid as a hands-on and motivating leader, crediting his vision and innovative policies with establishing the UAE Government as a global benchmark for efficiency and effectiveness. They said his strategic guidance helped convert ambition into achievement across multiple sectors.
Since 2006, Sheikh Mohammed has led 72 ministers through nine cabinet formations and 13 reshuffles. The Cabinet has convened 558 times, issuing nearly 16,000 resolutions, alongside ministerial retreats and extraordinary meetings that shaped national priorities.
Over the past two decades, the UAE Government has undergone a comprehensive transformation, modernising most of its legal framework, embracing artificial intelligence in governance, streamlining services, and launching long-term national roadmaps such as UAE Vision 2021, Centennial 2071 and We the UAE 2031. These reforms have strengthened competitiveness, enhanced quality of life and reinforced the UAE’s standing as a trusted global partner.
