THE TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF THE FOUNDING LEADERS OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN AND SHEIKH RASHID BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM

Abstract

Transformational leadership is the leader's ability to communicate and behave in ways that elevate the interests of their followers and stir them to look beyond their self-interest for the benefit of the group. Transformational leaders achieve these results by having four characteristics, i.e., idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. This paper explores the transformational leadership of the UAE founders since 1971, mainly, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The UAE leadership is the main success story of the transformation of the seven Arab Emirates from the sporadic emirates into one country from the last 50 years, the most developed and influencing country among Arab and the middle east countries. Also, the country achieved many initiatives at the global level, including becoming a global business hub. The UAE leaders set an efficient Arab leadership model for the Arab lands to rise to the global level. This leadership model is worth purring and evaluating for leadership values, lessons and being global with human concerns.