UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has addressed a letter to the younger generation, focusing on technological change, artificial intelligence, education, work, cultural identity and the values he says should remain important in a rapidly changing world.
Titled “A Letter to the New Generation”, the message is included in Sheikh Mohammed’s latest book, The Letters, which is the second part of his Lessons from Life series. The book contains 26 letters addressed to his children, family, team, fellow citizens and readers around the world. It draws on experiences and lessons from nearly six decades of public service.
In the letter, Sheikh Mohammed describes the current generation as growing up in a world significantly different from that experienced by previous generations. He points to the global availability of information, digital communication and artificial intelligence as factors that have changed how young people learn, work and interact.
He highlights artificial intelligence as one of the major tools available to today’s generation. The letter describes AI systems as capable of thinking, proposing, writing, planning and executing tasks. Sheikh Mohammed also notes that young people can now connect with individuals and expertise across different parts of the world through digital platforms and communication technologies.
The letter also compares changes in education across generations. Sheikh Mohammed writes that education during his generation relied significantly on instruction, memorisation and repetition. For today’s generation, he describes questioning, creativity and innovation as increasingly important elements of learning.
Work has also changed, according to the letter. Sheikh Mohammed notes that technological tools and intelligent algorithms can allow individuals to carry out tasks that previously required larger teams. He links these changes to the broader transformation taking place as technology develops at a faster pace.
Alongside technology, the letter places emphasis on personal values and cultural identity. Sheikh Mohammed writes that technological progress should not result in the loss of principles such as honesty, trustworthiness, keeping promises, justice, tolerance, compassion and respect for others. He describes these values as continuing to have importance regardless of changes in technology or society.
Cultural roots are another central theme of the message. Sheikh Mohammed cautions against losing one’s connection to cultural identity while adapting to a more interconnected world. He links a person’s understanding of their past and cultural background with their sense of belonging and direction in the future.
The letter also reflects on the differences between the physical and digital environments experienced by different generations. Sheikh Mohammed recalls a childhood in which daily life was largely centred around home, school and playgrounds, while describing today’s young people as having access to digital platforms that connect them with millions of people and information from around the world.
The Letters was launched on September 6, 2026. The Arabic edition is scheduled to become available in major UAE bookstores on October 1, while the English edition is scheduled for release on October 15.
The book’s 26 letters cover subjects including leadership, family, government, human development, ambition and the future. According to the Dubai Government Media Office, the collection is based on lessons, experiences, decisions and milestones from Sheikh Mohammed’s nearly six decades of public service.
In his letter to the new generation, Sheikh Mohammed concludes by calling on young people to use knowledge and technology while maintaining their roots and values. The message presents the next generation as those who will take on responsibility for shaping the future and writing what he describes as a new chapter in history.
