The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) hosted a special event that included the launch of the Arabic edition of ‘The Sheikh CEO: Lessons In Leadership From Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’, a book by Dr. Yasar Jarrar, Member of the MBRSG Board of Trustees and Managing Partner of Gov Campus. 

The event was held under the fourth pillar of the Empowering Emerging Leaders Programme for the Dubai Civil Defence, which focuses on fundamental concepts in crisis and disaster management.  

MBRSG organised the event where the Arabic edition of the book was launched, reflecting its commitment to supporting Arab thought leadership, promoting knowledge in the government administration field, and highlighting pioneering experiences inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai – experiences that have contributed to solidifying the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and future foresight.  

Moreover, the initiative embodies MBRSG’s strategic position as a leading regional intellectual centre. It facilitates the production and exchange of specialised knowledge and the building of national capabilities, in line with the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan. It further strengthens the UAE’s presence as a global hub for governmental decision-making and leadership development.  

‘The Sheikh CEO’ provides a comprehensive overview of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s views and ideas on administration and government transformation, presenting practical lessons on how to formulate a vision, enhance execution efficiency, and embrace innovation to strengthen institutional preparedness. The book highlights the major transformations Dubai has seen over the past few decades, using precise data to document this development.  

Furthermore, the book covers key milestones in Dubai’s journey, which underline the effectiveness of His Highness’s leadership model. These achievements include Dubai International Airport’s rise to become the busiest airport by global air traffic in 2014, surpassing Heathrow Airport; Emirates Airline’s ascension to global leadership; Dubai’s transformation into a leading re-export hub; and the emirate’s success in hosting major international events, such as Expo 2020. It also highlights the construction of pioneering projects, such as the Burj Khalifa, among other examples that reflect the leadership’s ability to transform challenges into opportunities for development.  

‘The Sheikh CEO’ offers a deep analysis of the leadership principles adopted by the man who led Dubai on its journey to its current position, underlining his commitment to empowering talents, promoting a culture of innovation, and establishing effective communication channels with the community. These principles paved the way for the UAE to take the top ranks across major global rankings in terms of ‘Trust in Government’, including earning first place in the 2014 Edelman Trust Barometer.

Launching the Arabic edition of ‘The Sheikh CEO’ represents a strategic step towards promoting the UAE’s pioneering experience in leadership and administration, and expanding its benefits across the Arab world. This, in turn, enhances MBRSG’s role in supporting sound governance systems and building leaders’ capacities in accordance with advanced methodologies that align with the nation’s aspirations for excellence and leadership.  

The book’s author Dr. Yasar Jarrar expressed his happiness to have the Arabic edition of ‘The Sheikh CEO’ launched through MBRSG, noting that his work embodies a deep-seated Emirati vision in administration and leadership, based on the ideas of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who laid the foundations of a government model rooted in innovation, proactivity, and creating positive societal change. Dr. Jarrar stressed that the book is not merely a documentation of the UAE’s transformation journey, but an explicit call to adopt a leadership philosophy aligned with the country’s principles and vision, where investing in people and developing their leadership skills constitutes a fundamental pillar for building a bright future.  

“H.H. Sheikh Mohammed’s experience in leadership offers a reference for decision-makers everywhere,” Dr. Jarrar added. “The book is a vehicle for promoting successful Emirati models in governance and agile administration, which have set an example now emulated around the world by leaders striving for institutional excellence and sustainable impact.”  

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said: “‘The Sheikh CEO’ is more than just a book on administration; it is an integrated reference embodying a leadership philosophy that has reimagined government work and all of its features, while remaining anchored in a unique Emirati experience and driven by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s forward-thinking vision on leading institutional transformation.”

“This book is a notable addition that enhances thought leadership with its intellectual depth and practical applications, which, in turn, contribute to moulding government leaders capable of making effective decisions in dynamic environments,” H.E. Al Marri continued. “Linking the book’s launch to the principles of ‘Smart Government’ and ‘Crisis and Disaster Management’ reaffirms MBRSG’s commitment to empowering national talents to support the UAE’s objectives and build an administrative model to be emulated across the region and the world.”  

With its initiatives and active engagement with thinkers and experts, MBRSG continues to shape the future of governance, building leadership capacities and knowledge frameworks that align with the UAE’s vision for a globally recognized, innovative public sector.