One million and counting. The followers of the Arab world’s most popular leader online continue to swell on Twitter.

Three years after joining the social networking site, the number wasn’t hard to reach for His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. Shaikh Mohammed began tweeting in 2009, the same year he made his presence felt on Facebook.

The magical figure on the social media website was crossed early on Monday, but the modest Ruler played down the numbers. ‘‘Brothers and sisters, today the number of followers has exceeded one million...but I prefer calling you participants rather than followers,’’ he tweeted.

Shaikh Mohammed has been a regular on the social networking site where he shares his thoughts on most issues concerning the country and people. In over 800 Tweets, he has talked about cabinet decisions, education, society and culture. He even announced the birth of his son on Twitter.

This constant exchange of ideas in 140 characters through the social media website has helped the leader communicate swiftly and effectively with his Emirati and other followers from all over the world. It has helped him feel the pulse of the people, boost transparency and explain his plan of action to his followers. ‘‘Together we came up with many social, humanitarian and cultural initiatives and I have personally benefited from your constructive thoughts,’’ he said. Numbers have been rising steadily on his page, sometimes reaching 60,000 followers every month, with a majority from the Arab world.

The Vice-President also has fans in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Sameera Ismail tweeted in response to Shaikh Mohammed: ‘‘You created something no leader ever did and that’s to talk and visit his people. For that you will be blessed and loved! We are proud!’’

Another supporter said other leaders must emulate his deeds. ‘‘I hope other leaders in the Middle East have your skills and initiatives,’’ said a tweet from Al Muthanna H Hijji.

Shaikh Mohammed who uses the handle @HHShkMohd, hopes to maintain the momentum of these conversations and connect more often with the youth. ‘‘Thank you all .. and I hope that we take our communication and interaction to the next level soon…for the good of our communities.