6 inspiring quotes from Arab leaders

When researching for this post, I was surprised and saddened to see how little content is available on the topic. In fact, a simple Google search on "Arab leaders" mostly led to angry blogs or satirical articles.

But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have inspirational leaders in the Arab world, whose words inspired us and taught us some valuable lessons, generation after generation.

Here are some of the greatest quotes by Arab leaders for us to ponder and learn from:

President of Egypt from 1956 to 1970, he wielded great influence on the Arab intelligentsia and masses alike. His weekly speeches brought Arab streets to a standstill as the people listened, mesmerized by his every word:

"He who cannot support himself, cannot take his own decision."

As president of Tunisia from 1957 until 1987, he was known for being a secularist and the first Arab leader to clearly address women rights.

"I will impose women’s freedom and rights by law. I shall not wait for the democracy of people fooled by male dominant ideologies."

He was the first president of the United Arab Emirates, from 1977 until 2004, and a true leader with real vision, determination, hard work and generosity.

"On land and in the sea, our forefathers lived and survived in this environment. They were able to do so because they recognized the need to conserve it, to take from it only what they needed to live, and to preserve it for succeeding generations."

He is the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, and ruler of Dubai. He is also a prominent political figure in the Arab world, known for his outstanding vision and forward-thinking.

"Everybody starts small. We all begin life as a single cell. Every business starts as one person with an idea. How fast you go, how far you get, is in your hands. The bigger your vision, the bigger your achievement will be. Will you stumble on the way? Perhaps, but we cannot let fear keep us small. We have to be brave to be big."

President of the United Arab Emirates, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and the commander of Union Defense Force since 2004, his rule has focused on community development and modernizing the business of governments in the UAE.

"Human capital is the real wealth of this country, before and after oil ... Serving the interests of citizens is the goal that we strive for every day. Building human resources is central to comprehensive social and economic development."

He is a national hero of Libya and the leader of the anti-colonial resistance against the Italians from 1923 until his execution in 1931. His life was depicted in the movie "The Lion of the Desert," produced and directed by the late Syrian director Moustafa Al Akkad, and starring Anthony Quinn

"Injustice makes a hero of the oppressed, but crime makes the heart of the criminal tremble, no matter how hard he tries to demonstrate pride."

Ay Kay contributed to this post.