All You Need to Know About Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, is celebrating his 41st birthday on November 14th, and in honour of his birthday, we're sharing a few things you should know about Sheikh Hamdan. 

His Childhood

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, known as Fazza, was born on November 14th, 1982. 

Sheikh Hamdan is the second son of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma'a.

Sheikh Hamdan grew up in an era when the UAE was striding on the path of rapid development and growth. He lived through the challenges and quality leaps that the country accomplished, and he was constantly near the decision-making centers of Dubai and the UAE. 

His Education

Sheikh Hamdan went to Rashid Private School For Boys in Dubai for his elementary education. For his higher education, he graduated from the prominent Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), one of the world's finest military academies in London. 

In addition to his military education, HH Sheikh Hamdan enrolled in several specialized training programs in economics at the London School of Economics and Dubai School of Government.

After his graduation and after attending specialized training courses in economics, Sheikh Hamdan built on his theoretical education by acquiring the practical skills of leadership and public administration from his father Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. 

Sheikh Hamdan previously said: "I studied and graduated from Mohammed bin Rashid school and I'm still learning from him every day. I am keen to consult with him and be enlightened by his directives in many strategic matters. He is a model to follow, not only for me, but for all UAE youth."

Sheikh Hamdan's Roles and Positions

On September 8th, 2006, HH Sheikh Mohammed appointed Sheikh Hamdan as Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, a government body responsible for establishing and executing Dubai's strategic comprehensive development plans. 

The responsibilities of Sheikh Hamdan have expanded and evolved since he assumed his position as the Crown Prince of Dubai on February 1st, 2008. 

Over the years, the Dubai Crown Prince has continuously worked close to his father HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and learned from him the qualities of visionary leadership and strategic perspective.

Sheikh Hamdan is also the head of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, and he sits on the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Autism Center.

Fazza is the founder of the Hamdan International Photography Award launched in 2011, and he was also as part of the Dubai World Expo 2020 delegation.

Sheikh Hamdan's Personal Life 

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed got married on May 15th, 2019, and on May 20th, 2021, Sheikh Hamdan announced the birth of his twins, a son named Rashid and a daughter named Shaikha.

Sheikh Hamdan announced the birth of his third child on February 25th. The child's name was revealed to be Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Hamdan's Interests and Hobbies 

Sheikh Hamdan was raised in a family that highly values equestrian sports. Riding horses became one of Sheikh Hamdan's most treasured hobbies since childhood, and he developed this hobby to clinching the titles of a number of international and regional endurance riding championships.

Sheikh Hamdan has gained a fine reputation for composing Nabati poetry under the pen name 'Fazza' – which means, in the Emirati dialect, a person who speeds to the help and support of others.