'Crown on my head': UAE President shares touching message after meeting Dubai Ruler

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared a heartfelt message for Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Thursday, a day after the two leaders met at the Make it in the Emirates exhibition at Adnec center in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohamed called his counterpart "Bu (Bin) Rashid, my supporter and the crown upon my head."

What did the UAE President say about the Dubai Ruler?

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed posted the message on social media after meeting Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid at the Make it in the Emirates exhibition on Wednesday.

He described the Dubai Ruler as his supporter and "the crown upon my head," a term of deep respect and affection in Arab culture. The post captured widespread attention across the UAE.

What happened at the Make it in the Emirates exhibition?

The two leaders met at the Adnec center in Abu Dhabi amid a gathering of ministers and visiting dignitaries. They shook hands and exchanged warm greetings as attendees raised phones to capture the moment.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who accompanied his father, also greeted the UAE President at the event.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reflected on the visit in his own post, describing Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed as his "brother, companion on my journey, and the leader of the UAE."

He said he listened to Emirati youth, observed thousands of locally manufactured products and "witnessed the future of manufacturing in the United Arab Emirates." He added simply: "We are proud of the UAE."

What did the UAE President say about Make it in the Emirates 2026?

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed shared his own reflections on the exhibition, saying he was "pleased to attend Make it in the Emirates 2026, where leaders, innovators, and experts came together to chart the future of industrial growth and economic resilience."

He added that the UAE will continue building strategic partnerships and investing in industry, artificial intelligence and technology to strengthen local capabilities and global competitiveness.

How big is the Make it in the Emirates exhibition this year?

The fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates features more than 1,245 companies exhibiting across 12 industrial sectors. The event includes new procurement opportunities aimed at localizing around 5,000 products in the UAE, with small and medium enterprises accounting for 61% of total participants. The exhibition concludes on May 7.