Culture is not just the arts and literature, but it encompasses all aspects of knowledge, including sports.
Mohamed Al-Joker noted: "This work fills a real gap in documentation, which is the living memory of nations and peoples."
Bilal Al-Badour said: "I was keen to release the book in conjunction with national celebrations."
The book, spanning 282 pages, is filled with rare photos and information.
Officials and cultural figures described the book "Al Maktoum.. A Historical Sporting Legacy.. The Heroes in the Presence of the Rider" as a qualitative addition and documentation of various aspects of the inspiring family's history, which everyone is proud of. Author Mohamed Al-Joker sheds light on the leadership's role in establishing development and renaissance, starting the chapters with the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may God have mercy on him, who "touched hearts by challenging the impossible" and left an indelible mark in building modern Dubai, and moving on to the role of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the State, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, in enriching and developing sports as a rider, leader, and inspiration to generations, and a patron of sports.
Mohamed Al-Mir, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, stated that Al-Joker's publications fill a real gap in the field of documentation, which is the living memory of nations and peoples, noting that the author has been concerned with preserving the Emirati sports memory through documenting it in various publications since the beginning of his journalistic career.
Al-Mir added during a session organized by the Dubai Culture and Science Forum to discuss and sign the book "Al Maktoum.. A Historical Sporting Legacy" that Al-Joker will continue his journey in preservation and documentation, writing history from a comprehensive sports perspective.
In turn, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Culture and Science Forum Bilal Al-Badour confirmed that "Culture is not just the arts and literature, but it includes all aspects of cultural, economic, social, political, and sports knowledge, and any field that requires effort, perseverance, and work." He pointed out that the book "Al Maktoum.. A Historical Sporting Legacy" documents the sports history of a family that leaders and role models are proud of.
Al-Joker himself confirmed that he was keen to release the book in conjunction with the Union Day celebrations, as well as the 20th anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's assumption of office as Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, noting that it is his most comprehensive publication documenting the sporting journey of the Al Maktoum family across 282 pages, filled with rare photos and information.
The book includes rare historical photos, and the author covers a number of outstanding sporting achievements, including the establishment of four clubs in Dubai that formed the cornerstone of sports development, in addition to the opening of Al Maktoum Stadium in 1978.
Participants in the session, which was attended by writer Abdul Ghaffar Hussein and a number of interested individuals, agreed that the scene is in need of such documentary publications that monitor the sports movement, highlight its achievements and challenges, and the session concluded with the book being signed and dedicated to the attendees.
