Mohammed bin Rashid ... A leader par excellence Mohammed bin ...

Cover Storyday status as international centres,renowned for their high quality services,luxury tourism, knowledgeeconomy, and creative human skillsin addition to the drive towards sustainablehuman and structural developmentsought by the UAE.Through generosity and dedicationto the nation, HH Sheikh Mohammedhas achieved notable success whileshouldering the great responsibilityof leading Dubai and the Federal Government.The Equestrian“My love for horses is not somethingnew to me; it runs in my blood andforms part of my destiny and history.Horse riding is more than merely sitting on a horse’sback. It is nobility and chivalry.”- Mohammed bin RashidHorses have played an important role in the history ofthe Arab world and in their movement, particularly incombat, where their speed, agility and stamina wereoften the decisive factor. Although the camel was amore integral part of Bedouin life, the horse was traditionallymore highly prized, being a symbol of wealthand nobility. HH Sheikh Mohammed was fond of horsesand showed so much care for horses at an early age.HH Sheikh Mohammed learned to ride as a child. Heand his brothers were taught and trained by their fatherthe late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.HH Sheikh Mohammed was a promising athlete, anaccomplished player of tennis and football, but equestrianismwas, and remains, his true sporting passion.HH Sheikh Mohammed first visited a racecourse in1967, in England. He and his brother, HH Sheikh Hamdan,watched Royal Palace win the 2000 Guineas. 10years later, in Brighton, Hatta gave HH Sheikh Mohammedthe first of many victories as an owner. Despitegreat success, it was not until HH Sheikh Mohammedestablished Godolphin racing stables, in 1994; whichmade great successes from inception, thanks to theIssue 31 - January 2011 - www.rta.ae6