Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Arabic: حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم; born 14 November 1982) is the Crown Prince of Dubai. He is popularly known as Fazza (Arabic: فزاع), the name under which he publishes his poetry, which means "the one who helps" in Arabic.[1] As an equestrian, Maktoum is a multiple world champion at the World Equestrian Games.[2][3]
Early life and education
Hamdan bin Mohammed is the son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, the senior wife of Mohammed. He is the second son of their 12 children and the fourth of his father's children. Hamdan's elder full brother was Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed.[4]
Hamdan bin Mohammed was educated in Dubai at the Rashid School For Boys, and then at the Dubai School of Government.[5] He continued his studies in the United Kingdom, where he graduated from Sandhurst in 2001,[6] and later attended the London School of Economics.[7][8] In his interview with Vision he described how Sandhurst taught him the importance of self-discipline, commitment, virtue, responsibility, endurance, understanding, teamwork, friendship and the benefits of hard work.[9]
Roles and positions
Hamdan was appointed as the Chairman of the Dubai executive council in September 2006.[8] On 1 February 2008, he was appointed Crown Prince of Dubai, while his brother Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum acceded to deputy ruler of Dubai.[10][11] As the new hereditary prince, Fazza appointed new key personnel and financial advisors such as John Calverly, a global economist, as well as a hedge fund tycoon, James T Naeem, while Fazza himself became head of HN Capital LLP.[12] He is the head of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for young entrepreneurs, and sits on the Dubai sports council and the Dubai autism centre.[7]
He was part of the Dubai World Expo 2020 delegation when Dubai was awarded the rights to host the event.[13] He went to the top floor of the Burj Khalifa to wave the UAE flag a few days after the World Expo 2020 win.[14] He is the founder of the Hamdan International Photography Award, which was launched in 2011.[15]
Personal life
The Crown Prince's Instagram account has more than 12 million followers, as of July 2021. He posts pictures that showcase his hobbies, which include animals, poetry, sports, photography and adventures.[16]
Hamdan Al Maktoum is a licensed equestrian, sky diver and scuba diver. He dives in Fujairah.[7] He is known for his romantic and patriotic poems in Arabic. He publishes his poems under the name Fazza (فزاع). He rides for Godolphin Stables and has attended the Royal Ascot.[17]
Sheikh Hamdan won a gold medal at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA), team gold in 2012 and a bronze medal in 2010. He led a team of five UAE riders at Championships in Samorín on 17 September 2016.[18][19]
On 15 May 2019, Hamdan married his cousin, Sheikha Shaikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum.[20][21][22][23][24] On the same day, his brothers, Maktoum and Ahmad, also got married.[25] On 6 June 2019, he and his brothers celebrated the royal weddings together at the Dubai World Trade Center.[26][27][28] On 21 May 2021, it was announced that Sheikh Hamdan had welcomed twins, a son named Rashid and a daughter named Shaikha.[29][30]
Honours
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit (Kingdom of Spain, 23 May 2008).[31]
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