‘The Sheikh CEO: Lessons In Leadership From Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’ by Yasar Jarrar

Aisha Hamad AlMidfa

The Sheikh CEO addresses the leadership style His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum advocates for considering his prestigious role as the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

The book is written by Dr Yasar Jarrar, who is considered as one amongst the closest confidants of the Sheikh. Additionally, Dr Jarrar holds a non-resident research fellowship at MBRSG (Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government) and holds the role as a strategic advisor in the Middle East in the PwC Middle East Government Consulting Group.

The substantial rise of Dubai is intriguing to many, making the insight the Sheikh has conferred in the book to be of great value. The book is primarily about the leadership style the Sheikh implores as opposed to it being about Dubai.

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The book explores thematic matters of resilience, dedication, innovation, perseverance, and a will to sustain for future leaders.

Dr Yasar Jarrar wrote The Sheikh CEO based on his firsthand experience working for the Executive Office and interviews with people who worked—and continue to work—with His Highness.

The structure of the book follows six captivating chapters that end with lessons in leadership.

The titles of the chapters are as followed: The Rise of Dubai Inc., Lead with courage and vision, Action trumps everything, Never believe that your work is complete, Surround yourself with strong leaders, and Win hearts and minds.

Finally, it concludes with an epilogue: ‘We shall go to Mars’, which is very fitting as today marks the day after the launch of the remarkable UAE Hope Probe to Mars making it the world’s first Mars mission.

“I have to be honest here: any book by or about Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a winner for me. I owe my life to his vision, actions and grit. This is a remarkable read that gives you snippets into how a leader took Dubai’s GDP from $11 billion to $101 billion through a leadership style that has never been seen before in the world of politics.” Said a reviewer on GoodReads.

“I particularly enjoyed reading Chapter 3 (Action trumps everything) a chapter that’s about relentlessness and perseverance at the same time, Chapter 4 (Never believe that your work is complete) this chapter talks about why Dubai has sustained its growth by innovating and challenging the status quo. Overall, whether you are a resident or a non-resident, this book provides invaluable insight into the mind of a great leader who has transformed the image of the Middle East by putting Dubai on the global map.” Said another reviewer online.

Aisha is an intern with Gulf Today. She covers the Emirati community, culture, and food.