Mohammed bin Rashid urges Gulf unity, rejects media divisions

Recalling the "shared history, expansive geography, and common ancestry," United Arab Emirates Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum addressed the people of the Gulf, reminding them that they are the hope of the nation and its guiding force for restoring civilization, strength, and glory.

In an open letter posted on X, bin Rashid addressed Gulf citizens as "a message to the most beautiful dream, the one history, the extended geography, the shared ancestry, and the deep-rooted kinship," emphasizing that what binds the Gulf goes beyond political agreements and economic interests. He stressed that differing experiences do not contradict shared goals and ambitions.

While highlighting the Gulf’s achievements in building global cities, modernity, innovation, and globalization, Mohammed bin Rashid cautioned against allowing media disputes and narrow agendas to undermine the region’s strong ties. He said: "Geography, history, and blood will not unite us, and media arenas will divide us."

He continued: "My brothers and sisters in the Gulf... geography, history, and blood will not unite us, and media arenas will divide us. Shared development and common economic calculations will not unite us, and social media calculations will divide us. Development agendas will not unite us, and narrow agendas and sick souls will divide us."

"Centuries of neighborliness cannot be erased"

He stressed that the Gulf’s unity is not just about political agreements, but about generations who have lived along its shores, mothers who prayed to God for the return of their sons, and fathers united by religion on its land. In the Gulf, hearts met before borders, kinship before nations, and love flourished before development. He said: "No one can erase centuries of neighborliness, alter the facts of geography, or change the reality of our shared ancestry."

He added: "The Gulf is a mighty tree with many branches, its fruits adorned, and its shadows flourished, but its origin is one, its root is one, its water is one, and its destiny is one, God willing." He noted that Gulf citizens "have succeeded in a few years in building wealth, establishing institutions, connecting continents, hosting major events, and supplying the world with energy that drives economies. More importantly, we have built people, deepened patriotism, and promoted coexistence and tolerance with everyone who has visited, worked with us, or joined our journey."

"The Gulf will endure, God willing"

He pointed out that "our closeness creates a bridge between continents, a home for great civilizations, a global reserve of immense wealth, a beacon for top centers of science, technology, and universities, and a global influence that faces the greatest challenges." He added: "When the Gulf’s ambitions, resources, and determination come together, the impossible becomes merely a project yet to begin. Look at our experience in the UAE, when the will and resolve of seven emirates united."

He stressed that unity is not just about open borders, but about united hearts; strength is not in erasing differences, but in managing them to create new vitality. Different rivers flowing into one sea do not lose their names, but together create an ocean of opportunity, wealth, and power.

He concluded his message by affirming that the Gulf will endure, God willing, with its deserts, people, seas, ports, projects, and the ambition of its generations, and with its spaces where our dreams will soar so that our Gulf remains one and our people one, calling out with an unbroken voice: "I am Gulf and proud to be Gulf."