A routine family outing at The Square in Nad Al Sheba transformed into an unforgettable experience for Dubai residents Fathima Zelin and Mohammed Ajil when they unexpectedly encountered Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, last Saturday.
The nutritionist and her project manager husband, both UAE residents for nearly 15 years, had brought their two children to the destination for what they anticipated would be a standard evening of dining and shopping. Approximately twenty minutes after their arrival, the family observed crowds gathering in one area of the venue. Initially dismissing the possibility of the Ruler’s presence due to the modest security detail, they were astonished to discover Sheikh Mohammed personally touring the public space.
During the spontaneous encounter, their seven-year-old daughter Inaaya Aroush exchanged a high-five with the Dubai leader—a moment the parents initially missed amid the excitement. The interaction was captured incidentally in a selfie video recorded by Mohammed Ajil, with the significance of the gesture only becoming apparent upon later review of the footage.
The family’s Instagram post documenting the encounter has since gone viral, accumulating over 500,000 views and generating an overwhelming response from both social media users and extended family members. Relatives have reportedly visited specifically to shake Inaaya’s hand, humorously referencing its contact with the esteemed leader. The incident has been described by the family as the realization of a ‘secret fantasy’ shared by many Dubai residents.