Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has long been admired for his deep affection for horses. His bond with these majestic animals is evident not just through his leadership of the globally respected Godolphin racing stable but also through his personal expressions and lifelong passion.
In a heartfelt moment shared with the public, Sheikh Mohammed once described horses as “free like my poetry and thought,” capturing the spiritual and emotional connection he feels with them. He emphasized that “the horse for the Arab has a relationship of honour,” underscoring the deep-rooted cultural importance of horses in Arab tradition.
In his memoir My Story: 50 Memories from 50 Years of Service, he recounts childhood memories of his first horse, Um Halaj. One touching memory includes his mother often finding him asleep in the stable, a testament to the strong bond he formed early in life.
His love for horses is further reflected in his poetry collection For the Love of Horses, where he beautifully conveys this lifelong connection. Sheikh Mohammed continues to inspire the world with his devotion to equestrian life, blending tradition, emotion, and leadership.
