In a remarkable celebration of literary and cultural legacy, “حكاية محمد سعيد الملا.. «سيرة مشرقة» في «طيران الإمارات للآداب»” took center stage during the second day of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. The session honored the life and contributions of a prominent figure in Gulf history, coinciding with the launch of the book “سيرة مشرقة في تاريخ الإمارات المعاصر” by researcher Moayad Al-Shibani. Aisha Mohammed Said Al-Mulla, the daughter of the late Muhammad Said Al-Mulla, shared heartfelt insights into her father’s philosophy of life and governance, shedding light on his lasting impact and legacy.
Remembrance and Influence
Aisha Mohammed Said Al-Mulla reflected on her father’s origins and dedication, stating, “Between my name and the name of my grandfather lies the experience of a man who devoted his life to serving his country with complete sincerity. I was raised in a house rich in heritage—a diplomatic home rooted in Al Liwa, a region steeped in poetry and genuine Arab values.” She noted, “As the youngest daughter, I drew wisdom and patience from my father. Being close to him in Dubai allowed me to witness the great leaders and essential personalities of the nation.”
Commitment and Responsibility
In her discussion, Aisha highlighted her father’s extensive national record, saying, “My father was the envoy of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest their souls, to solidify the foundations of the union. He contributed to the establishment of the National Bank of Dubai in 1965, chaired the first board of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and was a founding member of Emirates Post and Etisalat, where he implemented localization practices. Moreover, in his later years, he remained focused on monitoring Etisalat’s stock, embodying the commitment of a leader responsible for his nation’s assets.”
Golden Principles
As she shared memories of her father’s guiding philosophy in management, Aisha remarked, “He shaped my life by assigning me significant responsibilities and teaching me the courage to make decisions. He gave us the freedom to choose our studies while making it clear that we would have to face the consequences.” She added, “His home was always an open school for learning and discovery, welcoming diplomats and ministers, while I learned the values of local authenticity under my grandmother’s care, creating a clear emotional and intellectual balance within me.”
Proactive Thought and Empowerment
Discussing her father’s proactive vision for empowerment and the role of women in nation-building, Aisha emphasized, “My father provided me with rich and exceptional humanitarian lessons in this area. Empowerment in the UAE was not merely a transient legal text but a reality that predated the establishment of the union, represented by the mothers of the sheikhs, whom we regard as beacons. We talk about the value of women shaped under the guidance of the late Sheikha Salama, mother of Sheikh Zayed, and Sheikha Hessa, mother of Sheikh Rashid.” She continued, “We are not merely seeking empowerment as a settled matter; rather, we discuss how to advance toward the centenary of 2071, following the successful achievement of our first fifty-year goals. I am merely a reflection of this ingrained value.”
Enduring Principles
Concluding her account, Aisha Al-Mulla revealed the essence of her father’s legacy after 28 years of dedicated service to the nation, stating, “My father left us with two key pieces of advice that are now the cornerstone of our journey. The first is absolute integrity in relaying messages to leadership without omission, and the second is to maintain a good reputation, as it is the true wealth that will endure. We live today under his spirit and values, and my testimony is that of a proud daughter of a man who formed an intrinsic part of the UAE’s human and Arab history, leaving us a pride that transcends time.”
Exciting Literary Events
On its second day, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature continued to host enriching literary sessions and workshops alongside various family-oriented activities. Children participated in a workshop led by Yater Horachek on drawing characters from children’s literature, while attendees explored the future of best-selling children’s books through the insights of Eve Versooky Morris and Beatrice Cross. The festival also celebrated the youngest authors in Dubai through the session “The Festival with a Child’s Flavor: The Arabic Edition.” Other notable events included “Verses from the Desert,” a translation workshop with Sara Anani, a special screening of “Hubba” by Emirati director Majid Al-Ansari, and an innovative introduction to graffiti art led by Captain Barbossa, complemented by a workshop on comic storytelling in the UAE.