A short new book by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is making waves in the city he governs. 'The Letters', the second part of his 'Lessons from Life' series, collects 26 messages drawn from six decades of public service — and one passage, 'A Message to the Dubai Community', spells out seven rules for life in Dubai. He shared it on X in early October, calling Dubai 'a beautiful city, a harmonious society and an example for the world'.
The seven principles are worth knowing whether you're moving there or just passing through. First, life is responsibility: everyone from employees to leaders to government carries a duty to others, and when each person delivers, society lives 'a dignified and balanced life'. Second, respect human dignity — a city's quality isn't measured by its buildings but by how it treats people, including their culture, religion, time and rights. Third, pursue excellence, which he calls 'the finest message we can offer the world', visible in everything from infrastructure to public services.
The remaining rules are more philosophical. Rise through humility: success shouldn't kill the appetite for learning, and remembering Dubai's modest origins keeps ambition honest. Make optimism a way of life, on the belief that the future gets better only if people keep working and hoping for it. Make doing good a habit — a smile, a kind word, encouragement for young people — because societies that lose that risk losing part of the meaning of life itself. And finally, be loyal to the nation: respect the laws, protect the achievements, and uphold honesty, integrity and respect.
Why should a traveller care? Because these values explain a lot of what first-time visitors notice in Dubai — the efficiency, the emphasis on courtesy, the visible pride in the city's rapid transformation from trading port to global hub. They're also a practical guide to local etiquette. Punctuality matters (respect people's time), modest behaviour and awareness of cultural and religious norms are expected, and simple friendliness goes a long way. Reading the rules before a trip is a quick way to tune into how the city sees itself.
'The Letters' is currently on sale in Arabic, with an English edition scheduled for October 15 — well timed for anyone planning a winter sun break in the Emirates who wants a bit of context beyond the beaches and malls.
Story via What's On Dubai.
