Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has promised His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that he would remain close to the people, steadfast in what is right and loyal to the nation.

The pledge came in Sheikh Hamdan’s response to a message from Sheikh Mohammed.

In his response, Sheikh Hamdan said: “My leader, father, teacher and source of support, Mohammed bin Rashid... One of the most difficult moments for a son is finding words worthy of his father, when that father is the one who taught him the meaning of responsibility, the meaning of the nation, and the importance of actions coming before words.

“Twenty years in your school were a true preparation for what leadership means... how the nation must come above every consideration, and how serving the people is a trust and a pledge that we do not break.

“No matter how many responsibilities a person carries, and no matter how many achievements he accomplishes, nothing can compare to earning his father’s approval. Your words today brought joy to Hamdan the son, but they also placed a greater pledge upon the official within me: to always be worthy of this trust, and to ensure that what comes next is the truest reflection of everything you have instilled in me.

“I promise you that I will remain as you taught me: close to the people, steadfast in what is right and loyal to the nation. We will preserve what you have built through hard work and dedication, and we will remain, for Dubai and the UAE, as you taught us: accepting nothing less than first place.

“May God preserve you for us as a father, teacher and leader. May God preserve you as a source of strength and pride, and as a symbol like no other... and may He always enable me to live up to your expectations.”

Hamdan bin Mohammed to Mohammed bin Rashid: ‘I promise to remain close to the people, loyal to the nation’