Look! Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed spotted at tram station, surprises commuters with humbleness
TL;DR
Sheikh Mohammed rode the Dubai Tram this week with minimal entourage.
A video shows him observing the station and speaking with commuters.
He did something similar in 2023 on the Dubai Metro.
If you were on the Dubai Tram this week, you might've unknowingly shared a ride with the country's Vice-President. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also serves as the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, made an unannounced visit to one of the Dubai's tram stations, dressed in traditional attire, with no formal setup.
He walked the platform, spoke with a few officials, and took a seat inside one of the trams, where he chatted briefly with passengers. A short video posted by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) captured the moment. Another clip, filmed by someone onboard, spread quickly across social media.
There was no speech, no security wall, and no distance between him and the public. Just a leader taking the time to see how things work, the same way any resident would experience it.
Dubai's Sheikh Seen on Tram, Engaging With Commuters
The RTA's video shows Sheikh Mohammed observing the tram station firsthand. He's seen listening, asking questions, and walking through the space like any regular visitor.
In the second video, a more casual one shot by someone onboard, he's seated inside the tram, speaking with commuters without any distance or ceremony. Most passengers were surprised, but the tone was calm and respectful. No disruption. No big entourage.
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Just a normal ride.
One user watching the videos commented, 'No leader like you in the world.'
Commuters were surprised to see their ruler sitting with them on the tram, and some even recorded videos capturing his humility. What stood out wasn't just his presence, it was the simplicity of it.
Dubai's Sheikh Steps Into Public Transport Again
This isn't the first time Sheikh Mohammed has done this. In 2023, he was seen riding the Dubai Metro. He sat quietly in one of the Gold Class cabins, positioned at the far end of the train, watching the city through the window as the train neared Dubai Mall station.
Like this recent tram visit, there was no big announcement. No spotlight. It was a simple move with a clear message: public services should work in real life, not just look good in reports.
These aren't staged appearances. They're part of a consistent approach. By showing up unannounced, he gets to see how systems actually function, how clean they are, how staff interact, how the ride feels.
And for regular commuters, it's a reminder that public transport is for everyone.
FAQ
1. Why was Sheikh Mohammed on the Tram?
He often visits public services without advance notice. It helps him see how things are working, directly, not through reports.
2. Who posted the video?
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) shared the first clip on Instagram. Another clip showing him inside the tram was filmed by a commuter.
3. Has he done this before?
Yes. In 2023, he was seen on the Dubai Metro, quietly observing, seated among other passengers in the Gold Class cabin.
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