Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid (Bu Rashid) is a name that many correctly associate with an advanced oasis called Dubai. Bu Rashid was born in July 15th 1949 to miraculously introduce a forgotten spot of the harsh Arabian desert to the entire world as the "THE COUNTRY OF CHOICE".

To many, the name "Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid" means mega projects such as the Palm, Burj Khalifa, Emirates Airlines, dnata, Dubai World, Expo 2020, horse racing, mission to Mars ... etc. But as an Emirati and being from the city of Dubai, l see him differently. The above mega projects can't fairly describe him.

In anticipation for July 15th, his birthday, I couldn't find a better occasion to open my 53 years old heart and humbly share with you his real and core achievements from my prospective, so help me God:

1- I was a student in United states from 1985 to 1990. To me, the most difficult question those years was "where are you from?". You can't imagine how difficult it was to answer this simple question. I felt I was no one and from no where. 20 years later, I was astonished when I landed in United states in 2010 to find out that I was a celebrity just because I am from Dubai. I was no longer a "no one" or from "no where". I realized I am now from the "COUNTRY OF CHOICE" for so many worldwide. This means a lot to me and the credit goes to Bu Rashid.

2- UAE's National day was another ordinary day off for me as an Emirati until Bu Rashid marched it with us and placed his finger print on a UAE map. Ever since, I feel belonging to the bigger home called UAE. This means a lot to me and the credit goes to Bu Rashid.

3- Our dress code in UAE was simply white with a strip of black. We were a color blind nation until one day Bu Rashid appeared in a blue Kandorah. Ever since, we have become a colorful nation. Bu Rashid brought color to our lives. This means a lot to me and the credit goes to Bu Rashid.

4- I was ashamed of our services and scared of being in any queue until "Dubai Government Excellence Program" was introduced by Bu Rashid in late 1990s. Today our services are either the best or among the best worldwide. Today, I feel at peace being in any queue and feel proud of our ever improving services. Our standard of acceptance has been lifted and our appreciation for the "CULTURE OF QUALITY" has improved dramatically. This means a lot to me and the credit goes to Bu Rashid.

5- Bu Rashid taught us to remain humble and wish the best for others. We enjoy celebrating achievements of others. We love to see others happy. This means a lot to me and the credit goes to Bu Rashid.

We know that Bu Rashid is neither God nor a prophet. He is simply a human being like all of us. He is certainly not perfect. But we know that he is many light years ahead of us. What makes us special is that we know our leaders are the best of us.

I pray to Allah to grant him and his loved ones the best of this life and the life after

Stay beautiful as usual