Raed Barqawi’s book on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid launches at ADIBF 2022

The English edition of veteran journalist Raed Barqawi’s highly acclaimed book Dare to Dream: How Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Made his Dreams Come True was launched at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2022, on Saturday, May 28. The book offers exceptional insights into the tenacious thinking and the daring disposition of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Published by Motivate Media Group, the book, now in English, gives the readers a never-before glimpse into the thought process and reasoning behind some of Sheikh Mohammed’s most crucial decision-making, like why he signed a massive 15-billion-dollar deal to purchase fifty-eight aircraft for Emirates just days after the 9/11 attacks brought the aviation industry to its knees, or why he announced the construction of a golf course on the Dubai Creek at the end of 1990 when the drums of war were beating in the region, among other critical decisions.

One of the most respected journalists in the region and executive editor-in-chief of Al Khaleej newspaper – the UAE’s first daily Arabic newspaper – Barqawi has enjoyed a front-row seat for over three decades watching Sheikh Mohammed’s dreams turn into reality. Thanks to his profession, he closely tracked the fortunes of Dubai and its several megaprojects over the decades. At the same time, his fortuitous proximity to Sheikh Mohammed afforded Barqawi the opportunity to understand the reason for some of the historic decisions that led to Dubai’s meteoric growth.

Read: Journalist Raed Barqawi explains the inspiration behind his first book

The original Arabic version of Barqawi’s book was unveiled earlier this year in February by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group. “I wanted to launch the book in English too for the non-Arabic speaking world that has, for decades, wondered about the wind that has powered Dubai’s sails, about the man who gave us the courage of conviction in our dreams, about a personality that has given millions of Arabs hope for a better future,” said Barqawi.

Barqawi said: “I have tried to address two key questions in my book. One, just how did Sheikh Mohammed do the impossible and turn Dubai into a unique global role model? And two, how did His Highness manage to empower a culture of dreaming in the Arab world, a world that had stopped dreaming decades ago?”

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor-in-chief of Motivate Media Group, commented: “After the tremendous success of the Arabic edition, Motivate Media Group are delighted to be publishing this riveting and important book in English. Raed talks about the wisdom and foresight of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and, through his writing, showcases a realistic history of this country. Raed is one of the most distinguished voices in journalism and readers will be enthralled by the incredible anecdotes he has chosen to illustrate the success story that is the UAE.”

Raed Barwaqi will be donating all royalties from the book’s sales to Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities.

You can purchase the book on booksarabia.com