In the presence of His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, who attended as guest of honor, Emirati businessman Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Chairman of Lootah Holding, launched his new book, “True Leadership: Priceless Lessons from the Innate Wisdom of the Leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul.”
The book sheds light on the exceptional leadership model of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, Founder of the Nation and architect of its modern renaissance. It reviews the core principles that defined his leadership journey and laid the foundations for the United Arab Emirates’ remarkable transformation.
The publication outlines the values that shaped this model, foremost among them integrity, responsibility, long-term vision, and a deep belief in the importance of people as the cornerstone of nation-building. It explains how these principles contributed to transforming the UAE from a group of coastal emirates with limited resources into one of the most dynamic and influential countries regionally and globally.
Particular emphasis is placed on the historic achievement of unifying the seven emirates under one federation in 1971. The book highlights the leadership approach characterized by dialogue, openness, and foresight—an approach that enabled the country to navigate regional and global challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth and progress.
The author also provides an analysis of how this leadership model aligns with prominent modern leadership concepts, including values-based leadership, transformational leadership, and good governance. The book demonstrates that Sheikh Zayed’s leadership, may God rest his soul, offered a practical model that anticipated many contemporary leadership theories.
The achievements realized by the United Arab Emirates over the past decades reflect the success of this vision. Today, the UAE stands as a major global hub for trade, investment, innovation, and talent attraction. In 2025, the country’s non-oil foreign trade reached AED 3.8 trillion, underscoring the strength and resilience of its national economy amid global economic shifts.
In this context, Saleh Abdullah Lootah emphasizes that the UAE’s success was not driven by resources alone, but by a clear leadership vision centered on human development, the consolidation of unity, and the strengthening of trust between leadership and society. He notes that Sheikh Zayed’s leadership style represents a unique global model that combines authenticity, wisdom, and adaptability to the demands of the modern era.
The book also addresses the role of Emirati leadership in enhancing the country’s position as a preferred global destination for living, working, and investment, supported by a comprehensive system of stability, economic openness, advanced infrastructure, and policies that promote innovation and sustainable development.
“True Leadership” is currently available in both Arabic and English through Amazon.
