In celebration of the birthday of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, which falls on 15 July, Mohammed bin Rashid Library is organising a comprehensive cultural and artistic programme inspired by His Highness's literary, intellectual and humanitarian legacy.
The programme sheds light on his journey as a leader, poet and architect of renaissance, and on his vision that has helped cement Dubai's standing as a global model of ambition, innovation and the making of the future.
The programme, to be held tomorrow at 5:00 pm at the Library's premises, opens with the inauguration of an art exhibition entitled "Dubai Through the Eyes of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid", in which more than 70 male and female artists — Emiratis and residents of various nationalities — participate. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey documenting the major transformations Dubai has witnessed, through a collection of artworks and designs showcasing the most prominent milestones and strategic projects associated with His Highness's vision, which have helped consolidate the emirate's standing on the world stage, foremost among them the Burj Khalifa, Palm Island, and Emirates airline.
The Library is also organising a poetry evening entitled "Poems from the Desert", in which poets Kareem Maatouq, Hamda Al Merr, and Najat Al Dhaheri participate. The evening includes readings from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's poetry collection, "Poems from the Desert" — one of the most prominent and widely recognised of his literary works. The readings focus on the humanitarian and patriotic themes that fill the collection's poems, and what they reflect of a bond with Emirati identity and the values of authenticity and belonging.
The events conclude with a musical evening entitled "Sung Poems" by Emirati artist Tariq Al Manhaali, in which he performs selections from the poems of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reflecting the aesthetic qualities of Nabati poetry and highlighting its presence in the cultural scene at the national level.
The event opens its doors to the public to enjoy a cultural and artistic programme that narrates chapters from the story of a leader who believed that knowledge is the foundation of human development, made ambition a culture, and turned achievement into a way of life. Registration to attend is available through the official website of Mohammed bin Rashid Library at https://events.mbrl.ae/HHSheikhMohammedbinRashidAnniversary, and via its social media platforms for the latest updates and events.