Leadership of Mohammed Bin Rashed: Dubai's Economic Development Report

This report analyzes the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, focusing on his impact on Dubai's development. It explores his leadership qualities, including building permanent relationships and a bold vision, and examines the Dubai Strategic Plan (DSP) and its role in driving economic and social progress. The report investigates the aims, objectives, and research questions related to Sheikh Mohammed's leadership, the DSP's influence across various sectors, and potential future challenges. The literature review delves into leadership styles and the vision of Sheikh Mohammed, while the research methodology outlines the approach used to gather and analyze data. The findings highlight the Sheikh's contributions to Dubai's transformation, with recommendations for maintaining economic development. The report also evaluates the DSP's innovative impact and its role as a driver of change, providing a comprehensive overview of Sheikh Mohammed's leadership and its significance in shaping modern Dubai. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of the DSP plan and its vision for the future. The research also includes a discussion on the future difficulties that might face by DSP 2015.

Abstract300
Chapter 1: Introduction
Dubai is considered one of seven emirates which make up the UAE and the second largest city
after the Abu Dhabi. It is the most popular city of the UAE. It is located on the Southeast coast of
the Persian Gulf. It is also considered the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. Abu Dhabi and Dubai
are two important cities that have the power over critical matters of the national importance in
the legislature of the country. In today's scenario, Dubai has become the largest hub of the
business and transport. It is only become possible due to the effective leadership and huge
participation of the country government which is managed by Sheikh Mohammad. The economy
of Dubai mainly based on the revenues from trade. Apart of this, it also earns some part of its
economy from the Oil exploration concessions. Before 1966, the oil was not discovered in the
country. It earned its first revenue from oil during 1969. Oil revenue helps the country in the
acceleration of a huge income which directly goes in the development of the country. The
reserve facilities of oil in Dubai are limited, and production level is low. Due to this, it only
contributes to 5% of the total country revenue.
This paper mainly discusses the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed which enables the country to
attain all these achievements in a short span of the time period after becoming the ruler of Dubai
in 2006. Apart of this, the role of DSP in the development of the nations is also studied. This has
been done under the light of certain facts and concepts. Moreover, DSP has been considered the
driver of change in different sectors of the country. The way how DSP has influenced them also
studied to collect the in-depth knowledge about the country growth and leadership qualities and
style of the Sheikh Mohammad. The sectors in which the DSP influence measured includes
economic and social development, security, and justice, safety, land, environment, infrastructure,
and government excellence.
Generally, it can be said that the Dubai has currently attracted the attention of the world through
launching a large range of innovative construction projects and sports events. It becomes iconic
due to its skyscrapers or high-rise buildings like Burj Khalifa. It has been criticized for human
rights violations regarding the city's largely Filipino and South Asian workforce. During the
2008-09, the property market of Dubai faced a major deterioration, but the economy of the
Emirates has made a return to growth, with a project surplus budget of 2015. Therefore, it can be
said that the country is doing good with proper legislations and control over projects.
The recent study is organized as follows: the next section of the paper mainly describes the
background of study which contains information about the leadership styles, DSP and profile of
Sheikh Mohammed. The second, third, and fourth section will reflect the literature review,
research design, and findings or outcomes.

Background of Study
The leadership is mainly as an art of influencing others and guides them effectively to earn their
respect, cooperation, respect, and obedience towards a common goal. On the other hand,
leadership style refers to the way in which a leader gives guidance, and motivation to others. The
leadership style of Mohammad Sheikh will be also different from others. It is because a single
person has a great quality of influencing the behaviour, and mind set of others. Generally,
different range of research scholars defined the leadership styles into different categories. These
are; democratic, autocratic, bureaucratic, Laissez-Faire, and the charismatic leaders. All of these
leadership styles have their great importance in the life of leaders. The type of leadership which
they select mainly depends on their skills and requirements. A leader always shares the critical
information to help the people in dealing with different problems and take a strategic decision.
Adoption of these leadership styles guides the leaders about how they need to proceed further.
Moreover, the study is also based on DSP. It stands for Dubai strategic plan. This has been
developed by the Sheikh Mohammad in order to put a control over the economy of the country.
Dubai has gone over unmeasured growth over the last 2 decades that changes this small pearl-
diving town into one of the leading cities of the world. This becomes possible due to the DSP
plan 2015, and others. DSP mainly set the ambitious targets for the growth of Dubai in long-
term. DSP in the country proves a change driver in different sectors. It offered guidance to
government entities and other players necessary to the Dubai story. Therefore, it can be said that
DSP has been changed the economy of Dubai completely.
This particular topic for the research project has been taken as the result of the reputation of
Sheikh Mohammad in the eyes of country citizens and has perceived the great coverage in the
coming decades which is evident through the analysis of literature review. After the completion
of the project, it is observed that the research aim is being attained effectively along with the
different recommendations which might help the country in maintaining its economic
development.
Background of Sheikh Mohammed
Sheikh Mohammed is a prime minister and vice president of the UAE. He becomes the ruler of
the Dubai during 2006, was born in 1949. He married to Hayabint Al Hussain and Hind Bint
Maktoum AL Maktoum and had 23 sons and daughters. Sheikh Mohammad studied Islamic and
Arabic studies before joining the school, and in 1965 he did his graduation from Dubai
Secondary School. After finished his graduation, he moved to the UK and studied English at Bell
Educational Trust's English Language School. During, 1969 he became the head of the Dubai
Police force, and after that, in 1971 he became the minister of defence. Moreover, during 2006,
he became the Dubai ruler. He had a good educational and professional career.
Aim
The research aim mainly guides in completing the whole project with the desired level of
outcomes. The aim of this research gives a clear understanding of the project working. The aim
of working on this study is following:

 The first and the foremost aim is to investigate the part of Mohammed Bin Rashed
Almaktoum in changing the substance of Dubai.
 The second aim is to find out the characteristics of Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum.
 The third aim is to evaluate the Vision of the Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum.
 The fourth aim is to measure whether the DSP able to achieve the country objective or
not.
 The fifth aim is to evaluate the future difficulties for DSP 2015.
 The last and final aim is to evaluate how DSP set an innovative case for different nations.
Objectives
The below-mentioned are objectives of the research:
 Evaluate the role of Mohammed Bin Rashed Almaktoum in changing the overall
economy and development of the Dubai.
 Evaluate the leadership qualities of Mohammed Bin Rashed Almaktoum that guides him
in the achievement of its predetermined vision.
 Evaluate the Mohammed Bin Rashed Almaktoum vision to take a glimpse about his
dedication and desires.
 Evaluate the role of DSP in the achievement of the objectives of the country.
 To measure the unforeseen complexities in near future that might face by DSP 2015.
 Assess and measure DSP role in setting an innovative case for different nations.
 Measure and evaluate how DSP proved as a driver of change in different sectors of the
country.
Research Problem
Investigate the part of Mohammed Bin Rashed Almaktoum in changing the substance of Dubai,
his own qualities, and a careful investigation of DSP 2015 and its effect on the development of
Dubai.
Research Question
The following are the research questions identified in this project:
 What is the Mohammed Bin Rashed Almaktoum role in changing the economy and
development of the Dubai?
 What is the leadership qualities/characteristics of Mohammed Bin Rashed Almaktoum
that helps him further in the accomplishment of its vision statement?
 What is the vision statement of Mohammed Bin Rashed Almaktoum?
 What is the role of DSP in the achievement of the country objectives?
 What are the future difficulties that might face by DSP 2015?
 What is the role of DSP in proving itself as an innovative case for different nations?

Signposted
Furthermore, the research paper will discuss the literature review which is being developed by
collecting the information from different secondary sources such as research articles, books,
magazines, and journals. The literature review chapter is being divided into six separate parts
which will discuss the leadership qualities, and vision of Mohammed Bin Rashed Almaktoum,
DSP mission or objectives, the success of DSP in fulfilment of its objectives, future difficulties
for DSP 2015, and DSP role as a change driver.
In addition, the next chapter will discuss the research design and methodology of the paper. The
types of research are also discussed along with framework used in accomplishing the research
project. The source of data collection will be defined which are utilized in collecting the
information from the respondents along with the approach. After this, the method of research
analysis is adopted to evaluate the data by following the ethical code of conduct. Moreover, all
the analysis further represented with graphs which will be easy to understand the results drawn
from the research. After that, the recommendations will discuss which will be linked to the
overall implementation of the research project along with the collected responses. Then, in the
end, the critical reflection will help in evaluating the individual experience in the
accomplishment of the research project.
Chapter 2: Literature Review 4000
Leadership qualities of Mohammed Bin Rashed Almaktoum
Dubai is considered not only an education hub but also the tourism, real estate, business, and
health. These attainments are only due to the effective leadership style of the Sheikh Mohammed
and his team. So, it is the leadership qualities and style of the Mohammed Sheikh that motivates
him towards the achievement of the desired objectives and predetermined vision. The below-
mentioned are some leadership qualities of the Mohammed Sheikh for which he is recognized in
the world:
Building Permanent Relationship
( ) concludes that the Sheikh Mohammed wants that leader must be a lion because he is
responsible for leads a team of lions to attain some specific goals or objectives and
predetermined ambitions. The leader should motivate the young people to become creative and
forgive some mistakes. It is because mistakes sometimes become the way of learning and get
success in the life. ( ) depicts that Sheikh Mohammed believes in building a permanent
relationship which proves the most beneficial quality of his behavior. On the basis of this
leadership quality, Mohammed Sheikh grows further and attracts the attention of youngsters and
others on a continuous basis. Apart of this, ( ) said that the Mohammed Sheikh considers that
leader must have loose relationships with others and also have a strong bonding or trust between
them. On the basis of such trust and strong bonding, they can face every situation without any
fear. Mohammed Sheikh shares his knowledge with people who can create loyalty. This is the
same thing as motivates by Islam to the public to deal with others in their life. The leadership
quality of the Sheikh Mohammed matches a little bit with the ( ) who used to keep a balanced
relationship with people. Furthermore, it is also said that the leadership is a political philosophy

based on not losing a friendship by making minimal relations in hard situations and make some
changes where there is a chance for that. Therefore, Mohammed Sheikh with his leadership
quality of Building permanent relationship wants to represent the importance of that quality
which should be in every leader for making some unpredictable growth.
Bold Vision
The vision adopted by the Mohammed Sheikh is quite bold and indispensable. It is because the
vision is responsible for leading the leader and pushes him forward. Sheikh Mohammed is a
good example of leadership for youth as well as young professionals. ( ) concludes that Sheikh
Mohammed has a bold vision statement which guides and motivates him in taking some
innovative initiatives for the profit of the country as well as people success. It becomes possible
due to his bold vision statement. It is considered that leader must have a vision and completely
trusts in the ability to attain this vision and fulfil the dreams of citizens. In order to perform this,
it is necessary to select the team who believes in the vision and have positive thinking towards its
achievement. In the absence of trust and hope, the whole team cannot fulfil a single aspect of the
vision statement.
Leading Country as leading a Family
( ) concludes that although Sheikh Mohammed is the ruler of the Dubai he is also considered as
the CEO of Dubai. It is because he makes Dubai and its people working for a big family or a
large company. He becomes obsessed with people and surrounded by immature people. In such
manner, every member of the company has same roles and responsibility as others. This proves
helpful in enhancing the level of loyalty, and everyone can feel like a part of the family.
Therefore, such leadership quality of the Sheikh Mohammed touches the soul of every citizen
and him able to put a large influence on their mind set and attains their high-level support in his
initiatives.
Using the Precious Time
( ) depicted that "Time is like a sword, if you did not cut it, it would cut you." Apart of this, it is
also said that “Don’t delay today’s work until tomorrow”. It means that individuals can own time
if they work hard and don’t waste it. It is believed by the Sheikh Mohammed that time is the
most important thing that should respect by everyone. So, it is essential for everyone to put a
proper use of time and reduce its wastage to avoid future problems. Respect of the time will
bring a large number of growth opportunities which can make an individual popular and
successful among other citizens. Such leadership quality of Mohammed Sheikh motivates him in
the achievement of his vision effectively. That's why he demands every leader to have respect for
the crucial time and use it properly to turn it in favour of goals and objectives.
Honoring Responsibility
The foremost important leadership quality of the Mohammed Sheikh for which he is popular
among citizens is the Honoring responsibility. On the basis of such leadership quality, he makes
a credibility of his behavior and way of leading the people and resources. Honoring
responsibility leadership quality of the Mohammed Sheikh motivates him to assume all

consequences of his action and improve them further. ( ) said that the Mohammed Sheikh
believes that if leaders do not abandon their team members when they face a hurdle and an issue;
they will trust him and follow her as well. It is considered that the responsibility needs to be
everywhere whether it is a home, community, and business. Therefore, it can be said that
Mohammed Sheikh honours the responsibility of any failure happened from his or her decisions
rather than try claiming that is not his or her fault. It is because his or her position does not give
him a power or privilege, but delegates a responsibility.
Dealing with Respect
It is the other leadership quality of the Mohammed Sheikh with which he is able to run over the
mind of every single citizen of the country. He respects every single individual whether they
believe from the different region or not. Such respect of the Mohammed Sheikh towards
different citizens establishes him in their mind and thoughts. They have trust on the working of
Sheikh Mohammed and ready to fight for him. Such leadership quality proves a big factor in his
success and recognition in the world.
Being Number 1
The last and final leadership quality for which he is recognized in the eyes of Dubai citizens and
others is potential of being the number 1 in the world. Such potential and internal spirit of the
Mohammed Sheikh motivate him continuously to perform distinct initiatives and comes with
latest policies so that he can gain the confidence of citizens and bring significant improvement in
the economy of the Dubai. This inner spirit of the Mohammed Sheikh becomes the biggest
reason for the success and development of the Dubai economy.
So, it is said that the combination of all these leadership qualities makes him successful in
attaining his vision and do something different for the growth of Dubai economy. That's why it is
said that leadership quality can do anything whatever they want.
Vision of Mohammed Bin Rashed Almaktoum
( ) concludes that the vision statement is known as an ability to think about and plan for the
future with wisdom and imagination. Mohammed Bin Rashed Almaktoum becomes a role model
for the leaders and today generation. It is because of its innovative initiatives towards the success
of the country. The vision of Mohammed Sheikh is to become an individual who always
concerned for forward-looking and planning for the future of the country. In order to attain his
above-mentioned vision statement, he works together with his team and shares responsibilities.
Furthermore, his vision also depicted that the Sheikh Mohammed planned a model for the
attainment of his vision statement in favour of giving a new direction to the country. The vision
determined by the Mohammed Bin motivates him to come with new initiatives and improve the
economy of the country in an effective manner. By getting motivation, he launches UAE strategy
for the Future of country. This strategy of the Mohammed Bin helps him outlining the future
challenges and initiatives with which the effects of these changes can minimize. Therefore, it can
be said that the vision statement proves a successful guide for Mohammed Sheikh which guides
him in his day to day actions and initiatives.

DSP meaning and its objective
DSP stands for the Dubai strategic plan. It is a plan that is established for the universal
understanding of Dubai’s vision among the various government entities and ensures a common
framework for the operations of these entities. It is a plan that mainly works as a framework
under which all government related initiatives coverage to consistently meet the aims and vision
set by the government of Dubai's. The enforcement of Dubai strategic plan mainly based on a
consultative approach containing a considerable number of stakeholders from different sectors
covered in the plan. Furthermore, it can be said that the DSP plan is guided by a principle known
as prioritization. This principle mainly focuses on every phase of the plan on the areas of the
development potential and highest priority. It proves a significant initiative in favour of the
Dubai and makes a significant growth in its economy. In order to accomplish the plan in a
determined manner, the government of Dubai launched a set of clear guiding principles that
operate in the different sectors. These sectors are economic development, social development,
security, justice, safety, infrastructure and public excellence. These principles guide the
development plan in accomplishing its motives in order to make improvement in the economy of
the Dubai.
DSP Objectives
From last some decades, Dubai has gained successful development in its status as a major and
growing city, increasing the well-being of its people and creating an environment that attracts
individuals and businesses. In order to maintain, develop, and support, the government of Dubai
will focus on delivering its objectives of:
 Building human resources and attaining comprehensive development.
 Promoting growth and sustainability
 Promoting modernization of government and bringing economic development.
 Protect the interest of the nation, public and well-being.
 Provide an environment conducive to prosperity and growth in all sectors.
All of these objectives ensure the proper working of the Dubai strategic plans. They directly
associated with growth and economic development of Dubai. Therefore, it can be said that DSP
has played an effective role in the success of the Dubai. This has been done by making strategic
improvements in Dubai economy and enhancing perspective outcomes.
Whether DSP accomplished its objectives
DSP has gained success in the accomplishment of its predetermined objectives. This has been
performed by the excellent efforts of Dubai government. The first and the foremost objective of
the DSP was building human resources and attaining comprehensive development. It has
fulfilled this objective by developing different sub-standard policies. From the last five year, the
economic growth of the country has been remarkable, with relatively high per capita income and
double-digit real GDP growth despite negligible dependence on oil. It becomes possible due to
the economic performance of the government at the sect oral level and impressive investments
and initiatives supported by the private sector. Such development of businesses and industries
leads growth in the human resource development which further fights together for the

achievement of the mutual objectives of the business houses and the country. The historical
growth of the Dubai has been truly mind-blowing. During the year 2000, real GDP has been
growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 13% by far exceeding that of its GCC counter
parts. The real growth of the Dubai can understand by looking the figure 1 in Appendices section
of the paper. The growth of the Dubai has been growing faster than the emerging countries like
China and India. Therefore, it only becomes possible due to the effective initiatives of the
government and good leadership of Sheikh Mohammed. In the absence of these two things, it
becomes difficult for the Sheikh Mohammed and his team to achieve the DSP objectives in an
effective manner.
The second and foremost objective of the DSP 2015 is promoting growth and sustainability. DSP
has come with such policies which ensure the 100% success of the country. Much of the current
success of Dubai has been an outcome of its visionary and bold leadership, innovative human
resources, and effective government participation in improving the investment and business
environment. Therefore, the combination of all these things comes with greater growth
opportunities and sustainability. All these developments ensured a growing role for Dubai and
helped attract excess regional liquidity in the form of foreign direct investment in the country.
On the other hand, sustainability and growth have been fuelled by the active participation of the
government as well as private sectors. This ensures high investment in the form of liquidity and
greater growth opportunities. Therefore, such development and sustainability lead the good
economic performance of the country at sectoral level. Furthermore, it can be said that the non-
oil sector of the Dubai played a brilliant role in the sustainability and growth of the country.
During 2005, the non-oil sector is responsible for the 95% contribution to GDP, as compared to
90% in 2000. This becomes possible only due to the active participation of government, and
private sectors in the country. So, it can be said that with such growth opportunities DSP 2015
able to fulfil its second objective effectively. Such success of the DSP brings visible changes in
economic performance and growth of the Dubai.
The third objective of the DSP 2015 is promoting modernization of government and bringing
economic development. DSP 2015 able to promotes the modernization of government in the
leadership of Mohammed Sheikh. He comes with a combination of strategic initiatives which
demands active participation of the government as well as the private sector. Such efforts from
the government and private side bring modernization in actions and strategic initiatives. On the
other hand, economic development of the Dubai is an outcome of the government participation
and effective leadership of Sheikh Mohammad. With the help of the government and private
sector support, Dubai able to sustain a real GDP growth rate of 11% per annum and increment in
real GDP per capita to Dhs. 162,000 in 2015. So, it can be said that the active efforts of the
government ensure higher success in terms of economic growth and per capita income.
The fourth objective of the DSP 2015 is to protect the interest of the nation, well-being, and
public. Dubai is considered as a growing city and a top performer in terms of the economic
growth and the per capita GDP. Such growth ensures effective social development which able to
sustain a higher level of continuous economic development. DSP 2015 able to protects the
interest of the nation, public and well-being by taking a large number of strategic initiatives.

These initiatives are in the form of social-developments, and the increment in social assistance
services. Therefore, it can be said that the DSP 2015 able to fulfil its objective of protecting the
nation, public and well being. Such success of the DSP 2015 motivates the government to come
with such strategic initiatives and ensures the huge success of the country.
The last and final objective of the DSP 2015 offers an environment conducive to prosperity and
growth in all sectors. In order to attain this objective, the different strategic thrusts will be
pursued by the government. These strategic thrusts depict the current challenges and establish the
foundation for meeting future development requirements. The first and the foremost initiative of
the government in that direction is to preserve national identity and improve community
cohesion. With the help of this, a government able to revises the immigration policies and
regulations to ensure and maintain demographic balance. On the other hand, another initiative of
the government in that direction is to increase national's participation in the workforce and
society. The main aim of the government behind this initiative is to support nationals, so they
become the preferred employees in strategic sectors through skills and education development.
Therefore, all these initiatives help the government in fulfilling the final objective of the DSP
2015 through spreading awareness in existing environments. So, it can be said that DSP 2015
plan comes with strategic initiatives which have enough potential of bringing success and
influencing the behavior and working methods of the Dubai Citizens.
Future Difficulties for DSP 2015
DSP 2015 will face a large number of difficulties in order to achieve its strategic objectives. The
first and the foremost challenge faced by the DSP 2015 is bringing productivity growth. It
becomes very difficult for the DSP 2015 to transform the Dubai into a hub of excellence
business. This hampers the productivity growth of the country. This challenge is raised due to the
lack participation of the public in strategic actions of the government. Due to difficulty in
bringing productivity growth, the country may face an uncertain reduction in GDP as well as the
per capita income. The second and the foremost difficulty faced by the DSP 2015 is bringing
human capital excellence. This challenge has a huge potential of influencing the success of the
country as well as the future growth opportunities. In that situation, the DSP 2015 will face
difficulty in preparing the workforce of Dubai for the knowledge-driven economy, high-value,
which requires retaining and attracting highly skilled employees, increasing their motivation, and
bringing significant improvement in the qualification of Nationals. Therefore, it can be said that
in order to bring efficiency in human capital it is necessary for the DSP 2015 to come with the
significant plan and strategic initiatives.
( ) concludes that the DSP 2015 also suffers from the drawback of institutional and policy
framework. In order to bring excellence in the economy, it is necessary for the DSP plan to come
with significant policy and institutional framework. This can successfully perform by
deployment through coordination with the Federal government, strengthen the institutional
framework, and building capabilities. Therefore, in order to gain achievement and popularity
among Dubai Citizens, DSP 2015 needs to come with significant institutional and policy
frameworks. These ensure the success by bringing improvement in strategic initiatives. Another
difficulty faced by the DSP 2015 is a lack of quality social services. It can be said that the quality

social services are essential for a country to fulfil the needs of the population in a significant
manner. Therefore, it is necessary for the DSP 2015 to come with strategic initiatives that ensure
quality social services and brings improvement in the sector governance structure. It is the DSP
2015 that creates the voluntary social work and civil society to ensure the proper development of
the quality social services. But somehow, it becomes a failure in doing so. Therefore, the
government of the Dubai needs to focus such drawbacks and future difficulties of the DSP 2015
to make it more effective and profitable for the public. With the help of proper DSP 2015
frameworks and policies, it is not only able to improve the social services but also to plan
functions to ensure access to and availability of appropriate services. Thus, it is necessary to
have control over the DSP 2015 to manage its difficulties and turns these into good strategic
moves. So, in order to gain strategic advantage and ensure the high development of the country,
these difficulties need to improve and bring the well framework to gain a competitive advantage
over other countries.
DSP role in working as a Change Driver
Chapter 3: Research Design/Methodology 1500
The Research Objectives
Types of Research
Research Framework
Data Analysis
Insurance Checklist
Ethics Checklist
Chapter 4: Discussion/Results 2000
Research Findings
Conclusion/Recommendation 1300
Critical Reflection/Limitations600
References

Appendices
Figure 1