Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a very interesting man. But I doubt this one is his idea alone. I am, of course, merely speculating here but nonetheless, I believe this to be the idea of one of his sons. The Sheikh has two grown up sons that he constantly attempts to shove into the spotlight. The first, his eldest, has the nickname of Faza' (or Fazac) in Somali. He's an accomplished poet, horse rider and administrator. Unlike many that were born with a golden spoon in their mouths, he does not sit on his laurels and enjoy counting his father's money. Rather, he tirelessly seeks new projects to involve himself in and new ideas to advance his father's vision for Dubai.
The father grew up during the height of Arab Nationalism and Nasser's Egypt. He was spoon fed the ideas of Arab Unity and the rather debatable belief that they're the best on god's earth. Therefore, it seems that the man's first and only goal for the past forty years has been one of turning himself and his city into the supreme Arab leader/city. In addition, he seems to have adopted the ancient Arab ideas of what royalty and leadership should look like! He's a poet, a horse rider and is said to know the quran by heart. Both his sons have been encouraged to follow the same path.
He spent the past forty years telling whoever would bother listen to him about his vision for the Arab and Islamic world. He spoke about creating a city in Dubai that would rival any city in the world or in history. He kept on emphasising his thirst for excellence back when Dubai was a simple city in the desert. Yet, today, it's a city known all over the world and many of his ideas and dreams have become reality! Over twenty five years ago, he argued that if the Arab world wanted to rise again and challenge the Western world it will have to work on its economy and use its money (and natural resources) as a weapon. He had a saying about politics being a cart and economy being a horse! In order to advance, he reasoned, the cart should be put before the horse. The man's ego is exceptional, narcissism unparalleled and capacity for work inimitable.
Many of his projects and ideas are, at best, naff. Many of his actions controversial and (right now) his authority as an international political figure is nonexistent. Yet, the naff projects, crazy ideas and wistful dreams are testament to the man's good intentions and plan to advance the Arab (and Muslim) world. His new buzz word these days is Excellence! This is why he recently invited the Egyptian football team to Dubai and rewarded them for winning the African Cup of Nations. He did the same when Iraq won the Asian equivalent. He also created several competitions to reward Arab scientists, poets, writers and businessmen. In addition, the Holy Quran competition that is held in Dubai during the month of Ramadan will enter its eleventh year this coming Ramadan. The number of participants will be bigger than ever and the rewards they'll get (earthly of course) from taking part will probably go much further than their own pockets (surely a kid living in a remote village in Chad and winning ten thousand dollars as a result of taking part in such a competition will not only benefit from such money but his entire village would).
The idea of creating a Museum for the Prophet (csw) makes perfect sense. In fact, it's a clever move by the government of Dubai. On the one hand, it is showing the Muslim world that it cares about the Prophet (csw) and on the other hand it is sticking two fingers up at the rest of the world and those that choose to insult the Prophet of Islam. However, rather than doing it by rioting, insulting and issuing empty threats, it chose to patronise those that insult the prophet by implying they're ignorant and are in need of educating. With Dubai's current reputation and the world's interest in all that takes place in that tiny emirate, they more than know that such news will be spread far and wide. If the museum helps to educate non-Muslims about the life and history of our Prophet, well and good. If it does not, the message will still not be lost on such people.
Now let me go back to the Sheik's sons. I choose to give the background information first before talking about his second son and the one that announced the idea of the museum. The son is called Sheik Majed. Unlike his brother who is known for being a bit of a playboy and is adored by many girls in the Gulf (not just the UAE), this one is more religious and visibly devout. He looks humble, acts humble and surrounds himself with pious people. I seriously have a strong feeling that it is he that convinced his father to go ahead with this idea (not that the father needs much convincing).
All in all, Dubai's case and vision is not about looking outwards (to the West) but rather inwards (to the Arab and Muslim world). Their goal is to eventually lead these worlds in the manner of Umayyad Damascus, Abbasid Baghdad and Ottoman Istanbul! Could they do it? Well, they argue that people once told them that they can't build an island in the Sea!
ps
Does my bias look big in this?
