Mayor Malick-Lowe Hails Mohammed bin Rashid at 20 Years on Throne, Seeks Support for African Women Leaders
The Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick Lowe, has congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, on the 20th anniversary of his accession, describing his reign as a model of visionary, inclusive and transformative leadership.
In a congratulatory letter sent on behalf of the City Council of Banjul, members of the Network of Local Elected Women of Africa (REFELA), and the people of Banjul, Mayor Lowe praised Sheikh Mohammed for steering Dubai into global prominence while ensuring that development remains people-centred.
“These two decades stand as a radiant and solid testament to a leadership paradigm defined by visionary ambition and transformative accomplishments,” Lowe said, noting that Dubai’s rise under Sheikh Mohammed reflects a future “once only imagined.”
She commended the Dubai ruler’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly his policies on women’s empowerment, which she said have positioned women as key drivers of national development.
“We have observed with deep admiration your pioneering policies to empower women, integrating their formidable talents as architects of the nation’s success,” she stated.
Malick-Lowe also highlighted Sheikh Mohammed’s widely quoted leadership philosophy, describing it as a global inspiration.
“Your inspirational words, ‘The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it,’ resonate powerfully across continents and serve as a guiding principle for leaders worldwide,” she said.
The Banjul Mayor expressed personal appreciation for Sheikh Mohammed’s book, My Vision, describing it as a constant source of insight and inspiration on leadership and nation-building.
“I remain profoundly grateful for your gracious gift of your esteemed book, My Vision. Its insights are such that I find myself continually returning to its pages, each reading offering renewed perspective,” she added.
Touching on Africa–UAE relations, Lowe praised Sheikh Mohammed’s “well-documented affection and steadfast commitment to the African continent,” saying it has fostered hope and solidarity across the region.
In her capacity as President of REFELA Africa, Lowe used the opportunity to draw attention to the organisation’s mission of strengthening women’s leadership at the local governance level across Africa. She expressed optimism that Sheikh Mohammed’s support could significantly accelerate the network’s work.
“Knowing your unparalleled legacy in championing women’s empowerment and your generous global women-driven vision, we believe that your potential support could be transformative in accelerating this critical work for African women and girls,” she said.
As Sheikh Mohammed marks two decades on the throne, the Banjul Mayor described his legacy as one already “richly woven with monumental achievements, compassion, and exemplary global leadership.”
“We wish you continued boundless wisdom, robust health, and enduring success as you guide Dubai and the UAE to ever-greater heights,” Lowe concluded.
Rohey Malick Lowe is the Mayor of Banjul, President of REFELA Africa, and Second Vice President of the Global Parliament of Mayors.
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