Introduction
The leader I selected is Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose country of origin is the United Arab Emirates, popularly known as (UAE). The country is located in Asia, specifically in the Middle East. It is bordered by various countries, such as Saudi Arabia on its south, Oman on the southeast, and the Persian Gulf on the North. The country has a rich cultural Islamic heritage that acts as a source of revenue through tourism attractions. The country also has well-developed cities, including the metropolis of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which have also been seen as attractive to tourists across the globe. Formerly, the country existed as a British protectorate until 1971, when six states liberated themselves from the British colony. They were later joined by Ras Al Khaimah to make the states seven, thus forming the present-day United Arab Emirates (UAE). Since then, the country has experienced profound growth due to its rich crude oil and gas minerals. The country has recently been seen diversifying its economy to other sectors such as tourism, finance, and real estate (Abdullah, 2020). However, the country’s geography comprises the desert terrain with numerous dunes. The country has access to the coastline along the Persian Gulf, dotted with innumerable islands. The county’s population is 9.9 million, and most are expatriates from various countries worldwide who have come to seek employment opportunities.
Body
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a leader who served as the Crown Prince and Deputy commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces. He is believed to be one of the most influential leaders in the Middle East and globally due to his leadership style, which contributed significantly to the development of the United Arab Emirates. His leadership characteristic resonates well with transformational leadership, which embraced inspiring and motivating others to achieve their full potential with little strain. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inspired and motivated the United Arab Emirates Army to go beyond its abilities to ensure the country is well secured from any threat and risk, whether internal or external attacks (Timraz, 2018). His visionary approach to leadership provided a platform for collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the nations and in the army. Mohamed could set long-term goals, strategic planning, and progressive development due to his excellent leadership qualities.
Moreover, the kind of leadership style actualized by Mohamed in his leadership was characterized by a combination of democratic and visionary leadership styles. The blend of the leadership style created a sense of forward-thinking governance guided by realism. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed extensively developed the United Arab Emirates Vision of 2021 and the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision of 2030. These long-term goals have revolutionized the nation, making it a global sector leader due to economic diversification (Timraz, 2018). He is not only able to state goals but also equipped with the ability to listen to his seniors and juniors in devising the specific strategies that can be used to realize the stated goals.
For this reason, Mohamed values advisors and always seeks consensus in decision-making. Mohamed’s transformational leadership style is evident in his ability to inspire and empower individuals in his country. He championed innovation and investment in various sectors, including education, technology, and infrastructure, which, in the long run, positioned the nation on the world map for tourism attraction and cultural exchange. Nevertheless, his ability to interact and engage with individuals at various levels enabled him to ensure that the voices of the citizens and stakeholders were heard, thus fostering a sense of inclusivity. Mohamed’s significant achievements include transforming and diversifying the UAE from oil and gas-reliant to producing renewable energy. Also, he has played an essential role in ensuring that peace and stability are maintained and promoted throughout the various states.
Conclusion
In summary, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed from the United Arab Emirates employed transformational leadership and democratic leadership qualities that enabled him to be an outstanding leader who contributed to the development of his country. His listening skills and decision-making approaches propelled him to transform the nation towards a global position. His visionary leadership and desire to ensure inclusivity in all aspects enabled him to stabilize the economy and peace of the seven federal states in the United Arab Emirates. The qualities and steps of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed continue to shape the current leadership of the UAE and act as a source of inspiration to many leaders in the country and across the Asian continent.
References
Timraz, A. F. (2018). Bio-Mimicry and Urban Design: A Case Study of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed City (Doctoral dissertation, The British University in Dubai).
Abdullah, M. M. (2020). The United Arab Emirates. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003071501
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