I’ve had the pleasure to meet HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed several times, and each time the encounter was brief but warm and sincere. He reminds me of his father, the late president HH Sheikh Zayed who I also had the good fortune to meet during my days as full time journalist in the late 80s.
Recently Sheikh Mohammed’s name has been coming up a lot within the majlises of my extended family, especially as two of my aunts are each planning weddings for each of their children (two separate events). They’re discussing the advice recently offered to the local community by Sheikh Mohammed, and thankfully they have decided to embrace it.
Many of you who don’t follow the Arabic media may not know this, but Sheikh Mohammed spoke out against the extravagance of some local weddings; against wasting food and against unnecessary spending. By Arab tradition, weddings are typically big affairs, usually over a few days, with big guest lists and mountains of food. People expect it of you. Those who can afford to host large weddings do so, but those that don’t usually go into heavy debt and great pains just to keep up appearances.
Sheikh Mohammed probably spoke casually in a majlis, but what incredibly momentum he’s achieved! Emirati tribes have embraced his wisdom wholeheartedly and there has been a ripple effect throughout the community. Thank you Sheikh Mohammed for your inspirational words; the positive benefits will be felt throughout society!
Spread kindness,
Sana Bagersh
Managing Editor
