24-07-2025
'I spoke with him 40 years ago': Trader recalls meeting Dubai Ruler in Deira
'I spoke with him 40 years ago,' said Abdullah Asad, a spices and dry fruits trader at Dubai's old souk. 'He asked me about the products in my shop. I still remember explaining a few herbal items to him. Since then, I see him once a year, but I never got a chance to speak to him again.'
On Tuesday, Abdullah once again saw Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, walk through the narrow lanes of Old Souk Deira. The moment brought back old memories. 'I still cherish that conversation, and it will stay with me for life,' said Abdullah.
'When the Ruler entered the souk, I just said Masha Allah. Everyone around me said the same,' he added. 'He walked through the old market as if he was remembering the past. He also looked around to make sure everything in the souk was working well, just like a leader who truly cares about his people and his city.'
The Deira Souk is more than a market, it's a place full of history, rich aromas of spices, and voices from all over the world. For many traders and shoppers, the visit came as a complete surprise. As Sheikh Mohammed passed through, crowds began to gather, hoping to get a glimpse of their beloved leader.
'I froze when I saw him'
Some people couldn't believe the Ruler was actually in the market. 'My salesman came running and told me the Ruler is here. I didn't believe him, I have been pranked before,' said Mukhtar Abdullah, a dry fruits and nuts trader.
'But when Sheikh Mohammed came near my shop, I froze. I had to pinch myself to believe it was real. My grandfather and father used to tell me stories of his visits in the old days. Now, I saw him with my own eyes.'
Some missed the moment
But not everyone was lucky enough to see him. Abdul Badi, a businessman at the souk, missed the glimpse of the Ruler by just a few minutes.
'I saw a few luxury cars arrive around 6pm, but I was busy with some work. Its normal to spot luxury cars in the city. When I returned 20 minutes later, I saw a crowd gathered near my shop. I asked what happened, and someone told me, Sheikh Mohammed was here. My heart sank,' said Abdul Badi. 'This isn't the first time I missed him. It feels like I am never in the right place when he visits.'
Cart puller's moment of joy
Mohammed Khaliq, a cart puller at the souk, mentioned how he quickly rushed to see the Ruler.
'I was passing by with my cart. I parked it and ran to see him. When Sheikh Mohammed entered the mattress souk, I stood quietly in the crowd,' said Khaliq.
'You can not explain it, but you feel something special when he's near. He has leadership, but also peace and calm. His eyes are kind. His presence is strong, but gentle. His aura is majestic.'
Khaliq also noticed how Sheikh Mohammed didn't need bodyguards to push people away.
'There were no loud announcements or barriers. People stepped back on their own, out of love and respect,' he said.
'Greatness begins with humility'
Back in his shop, Abdullah Asad reflected on what the visit meant. 'I'm 72 now. I have seen this market change, and I have seen this city grow into something amazing. But when you see Sheikh Mohammed walking these same streets, it reminds you that true greatness comes from being humble."
